STATEMENT TO

ATLANTIC STATES MARINE FISHERIES COMMISSION
AND
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

AT THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THE STRIPED BASS FISHERY

(MAY 30,2000)

GOOD EVENING MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION, MEMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT,

FELLOW FISHERMEN AND OTHERS INTERESTED IN THE STRIPER BASS FISHERY,

MY NAME IS RICHARD WILSON. I AM MAKING THIS STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE MONTAUK SURFCASTER'S ASSOCIATION AT THE REQUEST OF ITS PRESIDENT, WILLIE YOUNG, AND WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE OFFICERS THEREOF.

THE MONTAUK SURFCASTER'S ASSOCIATION RESPECTFULLY PROPOSES THE FOLLOWING:

I .That a minimum size of fish that can be taken in all marine waters under the jurisdiction of the Atlantic Marine Fisheries Commission be not less than 32-inches;

2. That measures be taken by the NYSDEC to protect spawning striped bass in the Hudson River and that the Marine Fisheries Commission encourage the same by other states through Federal grants; and,

3. That an accurate and current survey be made on commercial by-catch by the Marine Fisheries Commission in cooperation with state agencies such as NYSDEC and that steps be taken to eliminate the commercial by-catch of striped bass in its entirety.

ON BEHALF OF THE MONTAUK SURFCASTER'S ASSOCIATION I WOULD LIKE TO THANK

THE COMMISSION AND THE DEPARTMENT FOR THEIR EFFORTS TO IMPROVE RECREATIONAL FISHING FROM OUR BEACHES THROUGH CAREFUL MANAGEMENT OF THE STRIPED BASS FISHERY.

Respectfully Submitted on behalf of the

MONTAUK SURFCASTER'S ASSOCIATION

Richard Robert Wilson Date: 5-30-00