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DEC to hold state of Lake Ontario meetings

Fri, Feb 10th 2017 02:45 pm

The public will have the opportunity to learn more about the state of Lake Ontario fisheries, at upcoming public meetings scheduled for Niagara, Monroe and Oswego counties in March, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos announced this week.

"Lake Ontario and its tributaries continue to provide world-class fishing opportunities for the hundreds of thousands of anglers who enjoy it every year," Seggos said. "These fisheries provide unsurpassed recreational opportunity and generate substantial economic benefits to the surrounding communities. The state of Lake Ontario meetings provide an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in the lake and its tributaries to interact with the scientists and managers who study and manage these fisheries."

Niagara County sportsmen and interested residents will be able to learn more at a session to be held at 9 p.m. Tuesday, March 7, at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Building, 4487 Lake Ave., Lockport. The meeting is co-hosted by Niagara County Cooperative Extension and the Niagara County Sportfishery Development Board.

Lake Ontario and its embayments and tributaries support thriving populations of fish, including a variety of trout and salmon, bass, walleye, yellow perch, and panfish. New York's Lake Ontario waters comprise more than 2.7 million acres. A recent statewide angler survey estimated that more than 2.6 million angler days were spent on Lake Ontario and its major tributaries. The estimated value of these fisheries exceeded $112 million annually for local economies.

Staff from DEC, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will share presentations, including updates on the status of trout and salmon fisheries in the lake and its tributaries, forage fish, and stocking programs. The meetings will provide ample time at the end of the scheduled program for the audience to interact with the presenters.

Information about DEC's Lake Ontario fisheries assessment programs can be found at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/27068.html.

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