Interstate management of marine fishery resources in New York

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is an active participant in the Interstate Fishery Management through the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) process providing input and data on Fishery Management Plans of importance to the people of New York. The increased work load associated with the development and implementation of fisheries managed under ASMFC Fishery Management Plans (FMP) has resulted in increased demands upon staff time. These FMP's require additional data collection, permits and exchange of information. Ideally, additional permanent staff would have been hired to handle the increased workload, however, this could not be done because of hiring restrictions for permanent staff. The department has chosen to employee temporary staff to assist with ongoing projects and to issue permits required under the various fishery management plans. This report will summarize those activities initiated under during the original grant period and for work planned during two extension periods for this grant. Grant no. NA56FG0214