DEC Puts a Line Out to Anglers for Fish Data

LIVINGSTON COUNTY — The DEC is seeking new participants for its Finger Lakes Volunteer Angler Diary Program for the 2017 open water fishing season.

According to a press release from the DEC, the program’s purpose is to collect data from fishing trips on New York’s Finger Lakes and selected Lake Ontario embayments of DEC Regions 7 and 8, in order to help shape future fisheries’ management decisions.

“Fisheries’ management in the Finger Lakes of Central and Western New York is in part guided by angler experiences, success rates, and desires,” said Region 7 Fisheries Biologist Ian Blackburn. “This program is an excellent chance for members of the angling public to take an active role assisting DEC to make well-rounded and informed management decisions for the Finger Lakes.”

The program runs year-round and anglers pursuing all types of fish in these areas are invited to participate. Typical participants fish the lakes anywhere from once to multiple times in a given season, so even occasional anglers are welcome to keep a fishing diary to contribute.

To participate, anglers can contact the Region 7 Fishery office by phone at 607-753-3095 and by email at fwfish7@dec.ny.gov, or the Region 8 Fishery office by phone at 585-226-5343 and by email at fwfish8@dec.ny.gov.