Our DEC is not allowed to interact with the USGS! Managing Blind due to Hochul.

[Morgan-E]

At a meeting last night, during a question and answer session, those in attendance became aware that the NY DEC, per Kathy Hochul, is not being allowed to interact in any way with federal agencies including the USGS.  This is important, because this is where the DEC gets data from the alewife trawls.  It gives them the age structure of the baitfish, health of the bait fish, biomass of the baitfish, and the predicted trajectory of the alewife structure in the coming year.  Without it they are flying blind.  If anyone has any contact with state legislators or can make contact with them, urge them to tell her to lift this ridiculous and petty ban for the good of the fishery and those who utilize and in some cases depend on it. 

With the lowest natural reproduction on record last year and low water starting the beginning of the natural reproduction calendar this year, they need as much information as possible to make sound management decisions and plans.

This is not a DEC decision so do not chew on any of the biologists or enforcement officers - this is a 100% political decision with total disregard for the health of the fishery and those who use it.

[fisherdude]

This is all because New York State being a  Sanctuary state Kathy hoco will not work with the federal government cuz of the illegal immigrants and ice with deportations I recently asked Fleming that's running for Sheriff in Seneca County on the Democratic ticket I asked her how she feels with working with ice and turning Criminal illegal immigrants over to ice in a long word salad for an answer basically said her hands are tied cuz nys state regulations. 2 weeks as you know there is a election.  Here is a chance for a change long over due like 25 years .

[LongLine]

Another case of someone missing a couple keywords.   "not being allowed to interact in any way with federal agencies on immigration activities."   NYS has a ban on 287(g) agreements which ONLY concerns immigration.  It has nothing to do with environmental or fishery concerns.  I.E. Environmental research, monitoring, environmental enforcement or restoration. 

 

For example, if a C.O.  catches someone fishing or hunting without a license, he can fine or even throw that SOB in jail but he can't call ICE to check on his citizenship or participate in any way with that guy's deportation.  

 

A good follow-up question to that presenter would have been: "Does that include the Preyfish Assessment?" or "lake Trout Restoration?" 

 

So what was the egg take?  Any indication of upcoming stocking numbers? Any word on Altmar improvements? or SR restoration project?

 

It sure would be nice if some would stop trying to turn every thread into political banter.

 

 

[Morgan-E]

Yes it was clear that they could not interact with the USGS to acquire data related to the fishery. This includes the alewife data and anything else that the federal agencies bring to the management table. Everyone at the meeting heard it loud and clear. The meeting had nothing to do with Hochul declaring NY a sanctuary state. 

Edited 19 hours ago by Morgan-E

[fisherdude]

Witch candidate running for governor for New York State would be better for Lake Ontario fishing and would work with the federal government for your favorite Hobby or means of making a living on Lake Ontario.. 

[GAMBLER]

20 hours ago, Morgan-E said:

At a meeting last night, during a question and answer session, those in attendance became aware that the NY DEC, per Kathy Hochul, is not being allowed to interact in any way with federal agencies including the USGS.  This is important, because this is where the DEC gets data from the alewife trawls.  It gives them the age structure of the baitfish, health of the bait fish, biomass of the baitfish, and the predicted trajectory of the alewife structure in the coming year.  Without it they are flying blind.  If anyone has any contact with state legislators or can make contact with them, urge them to tell her to lift this ridiculous and petty ban for the good of the fishery and those who utilize and in some cases depend on it. 

With the lowest natural reproduction on record last year and low water starting the beginning of the natural reproduction calendar this year, they need as much information as possible to make sound management decisions and plans.

This is not a DEC decision so do not chew on any of the biologists or enforcement officers - this is a 100% political decision with total disregard for the health of the fishery and those who use it.

Who did this info come from?  Was it directly from the DEC?  

[Morgan-E]

It was from DEC personnel when they were asked about the alewife data.  Yes.

Edited 10 hours ago by Morgan-E

[GAMBLER]

13 hours ago, LongLine said:

Another case of someone missing a couple keywords.   "not being allowed to interact in any way with federal agencies on immigration activities."   NYS has a ban on 287(g) agreements which ONLY concerns immigration.  It has nothing to do with environmental or fishery concerns.  I.E. Environmental research, monitoring, environmental enforcement or restoration. 

 

For example, if a C.O.  catches someone fishing or hunting without a license, he can fine or even throw that SOB in jail but he can't call ICE to check on his citizenship or participate in any way with that guy's deportation.  

 

A good follow-up question to that presenter would have been: "Does that include the Preyfish Assessment?" or "lake Trout Restoration?" 

 

So what was the egg take?  Any indication of upcoming stocking numbers? Any word on Altmar improvements? or SR restoration project?

 

It sure would be nice if some would stop trying to turn every thread into political banter.

 

 

Looks like it came from DEC employees.  Why would they say that if it wasn’t true Tom….

[LongLine]

2 hours ago, GAMBLER said:

Looks like it came from DEC employees.  Why would they say that if it wasn’t true Tom….

 

Brian - Because it sounds like a misunderstanding by "middle management" and someone being overly cautious.  The 287(g) ban went into effect at the beginning of Aug 2026 yet the state announced a new partnership with USGS middle of Sept 2026 concerning flood waters and stream gages.

 

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-launches-floodsafe-ny-build-more-resilient-communities

I'm not aware that USGS has any enforcement authority. 

[GAMBLER]

1 hour ago, LongLine said:

 

Brian - Because it sounds like a misunderstanding by "middle management" and someone being overly cautious.  The 287(g) ban went into effect at the beginning of Aug 2026 yet the state announced a new partnership with USGS middle of Sept 2026 concerning flood waters and stream gages.

 

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-launches-floodsafe-ny-build-more-resilient-communities

I'm not aware that USGS has any enforcement authority. 

I know I know, she couldn't possibly be playing politics before an election.... She has always worked really cooperated with the Feds since Trump took office.....

Edited 3 hours ago by GAMBLER