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DEC announces 'State of Lake Ontario' meetings

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Thu, Feb 21st 2019 08:50 pm

Biologists to provide updates on status of lake’s fisheries

The public will have the opportunity to learn about the “State of Lake Ontario” fisheries at public meetings to be held in Niagara, Monroe, Oswego and Schenectady counties in March, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos announced.

"Lake Ontario and its tributaries provide world-class angling opportunities that are generating substantial recreational and economic benefits to towns and cities along the lake," Seggos said. "The ‘State of Lake Ontario’ meetings provide an excellent opportunity for everyone interested in the lake to interact with the scientists who study and manage its fisheries."

New York's Lake Ontario waters comprise more than 2.7 million acres. The open lake, embayments and tributaries support thriving populations of sportfish, including trout, salmon, bass, walleye, yellow perch and panfish. A recent statewide angler survey estimated more than 2.6 million angler days were spent on Lake Ontario and major tributaries, resulting in an estimated economic value of $112 million annually to local communities.

Locally, a meeting will take place Thursday, March 7, from 6:30-9 p.m. at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Building, 4487 Lake Ave., Lockport. The meeting will be co-hosted by Niagara County Cooperative Extension and the Niagara County Sportfishery Development Board.

Staff from DEC and the U.S. Geological Survey will make a number of 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 time at the end of the program for the audience to ask questions and interact with presenters. Information about DEC's Lake Ontario fisheries assessment programs can be found on DEC's website.

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