DEC to Feature New Angler Outreach Programs at 2020 Greater Niagara Fishing and Outdoor Expo Jan. 17 - 19

Biologists to Host Open House and Present Updates on Status of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario Fisheries

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) invites the public to check out its Bureau of Fisheries' expanded angler outreach programs at the upcoming Greater Niagara Fishing and Outdoor Expo, Jan. 17 to 19, at the Niagara Falls Conference and Event Center.

"DEC is pleased to increase our outreach efforts at this year's Niagara Fishing and Outdoor Expo," said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. "This event provides an excellent opportunity for anglers to interact directly with the biologists who study and manage our Great Lakes and inland fisheries, and to talk one-on-one with fisheries managers about a variety of topics. New York offers numerous world-class fishing opportunities, and we invite anyone interested to come and learn more about the incredible sportfishing in New York's Great Lakes region and beyond."

Freshwater fishing in New York State is thriving and generates significant economic benefits to local economies. In 2017, anglers fished more than 3.1 million days on New York's open Great Lakes waters, and an additional 850,000 days on Great Lakes tributaries. The combined economic impact exceeded $152 million in angler expenditures en route to and at fishing destinations. Anglers fished more than 1.3 million days on the Finger Lakes in 2017, generating a combined $29.9 million in expenditures.

In addition to its annual informational booth at the event, DEC will host abbreviated versions of the fisheries "State of the Lake" meetings for Lake Erie and Lake Ontario that are typically held in March and May. Meetings will feature emerging results about walleye movement, creel survey results, habitat work, prey base, and record catch rates. Key members of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario fisheries management and research community will present information on management and assessment activities for prominent lake and tributary sport fisheries. Meeting times are:

• State of Lake Ontario Fisheries meeting - Friday, Jan. 17, 6 to 7 p.m.
• State of Lake Erie Fisheries meeting - Friday, Jan. 17, 7 to 8 p.m.

Billed as a top attraction at this year's expo, DEC will host a unique "Open House" program on Saturday, Jan. 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., during which expo attendees can talk one-on-one with subject matter experts on a variety of the State's fisheries management topics, including:

• Lake Ontario - open lake;
• Lake Ontario tributaries and Salmon River;
• Lake Erie and tributaries;
• Niagara River;
• St. Lawrence River;
• Great Lakes fish production and stocking;
• Finger Lakes;
• Recruiting more women to fishing;
• Trout stream management; and
• Environmental Law Enforcement.

To learn more about this event, visit the Niagara Fishing Expo website.

http://www.dec.ny.gov/press/press.html