NY NANFAns,
Folks who would like to come out to western NY are welcome to stay at my house. When warm weather hits I also have plenty of room to camp as well. Just drop me a line. I would like to plan a regional trip but have been hesitant because of the VHS regulations and the uncertainty of the legality of collecting in NYS. If folks have an interest, I would offer to have a meeting, not to collect but to discuss the status of collecting in NYS and what we as a group can do. Currently native fish enthusiasts do not have clear regulations or guidance, I would offer a cautious warning. I know someone (Hershel maybe?), contacted Dan Bishop (fisheries manager) of Region 7 DEC, in regard to whether collecting for aquariums was legal under the VHS regulations. According to the NANFA person that called, Mr. Bishop stated it was OK to do. I checked with our fisheries manager out here in western NY and he said it is prohibited and does not see a way around the regulation. I respect that and I will personally not collect any fish in NY until I hear different. Again, we previously collected fish for tanks under the guise of baitfish collection, well now there is clearly a law on the books that states "over land transport" of bait fish is prohibited. I think we need more clarity on this issue. In addition, I brought this up before that the current fishing regulations are valid through 2008, the proposed regulations in 2009 will restrict what "baitfish" are to approximately 15 species (the list is at my office, for those interested I could supply it) of "approved" baitfish that would be allowed to be collected for baitfish use. Barring VHS and everything, NY folks are only going to be able to legally collect a certain number of species in 2009. Numerous species many folks enjoy to collect and keep are not on the green list list. Prior to the VHS issue; Norm Soule and I, knowing the reduced "green list" for baitfish was coming in NY started to pursue getting some method of legal collecting for native fish hobbyist in NYS with the DEC. I met with the DEC to discuss this, again this was all before the VHS issue came up. When that came up, things were dropped because the State was busy with regulations and it has not been revisited as of yet. From the folks I met with in the NYSDEC, they had the impression that many are sympathetic to our interests while others might be dead-set against it. The idea I pitched was a "special license" could be set up for native fish hobbyist that would allow them to collect and possess X number of X species or something similar. Basically come up with a green list for the native fish hobbyist, with the possibility it could be larger than it currently is. Scientific collectors permits require reporting of species catch, location, and etc. I suggested that native fish hobbyists might be able to contribute to the knowledge of native NY fishes distribution in this manner (sort of like the herp atlas). I think if the average person applies for a scientific collectors permit it would likely get shot down as there is no affiliation with university, research, etc.. I think it would behoove native fish hobbyist in NY to sit down and come up with some proactive measures to discuss with the DEC. I really don't think we have many alterantives...
Not trying to be a dooms-day person, but I just wanted all Nye's to know what native fish enthusiasts face in NY and that from a Regional Rep aspect Norm and I have been trying to stay on top of this and look out for the Nanon's in NY. Unfortunately, at this point, all I can say is I would check with your local fisheries manager and/or Environmental Conservation Officer prior to collecting. If not, I think you are taking a risk because I can not tell you what they will say for sure.
I am extremely excited to see the new members and strong interest from CNY!!!
Again, I think a meeting to discuss this is warranted. Would people be interested in that? If anyone has any questions please ask away, if not drop me a PM.
-Scott Schlueter
Buffalo, NY
Hey, central New Yorkers its spring! No really its spring don't let the below freezing temps and falling white stuff confuse you. I'm about 2 hrs from Syracuse, 1.45 hrs away from Chittenango, only a bit over an hr from Oriskany Creek Those are easy day trips for me. Or if you get up my way there's plenty of good spots (Greenside Darters, Northern Redbellies plus others). collected around Syracuse back in the 80's but don't have the site records anymore. One spot a fellow collector took me had small ling and large logperch. It was in a park off a lake I believe, some nice mudpuppies too I think. I have not sampled the central/ Syracuse area much so I'd be up for some exploring. Waters gonna be high and cold this weekend but spring will show eventually. Where are you guys located and what are you interested in.
western NY area isn't too far away either. I know some great areas there for Rainbow Darters, Greensides and others. Plus we've got members out that way as well only a couple hrs the other side of Syracuse.
I may get out tomorrow to a local small creek (hopefully small) just to get my boots wet.