PFSC’s 2007 Fall Convention

Fish & Boat Committee

Holiday Inn East

Minutes of

Fish and Boat Committee Meeting

September 8, 2007

Saturday – 9:00 a.m.

Attendance:

Representatives Present:

            Southwest, Northcentral, Southcentral, Southeast, Northwest, Southern,           Northeast, and PA Trappers.

Representatives Absent:

            Central

Meeting Chaired by:

            Bernie Spozio

Dr. Austin, Leroy Young, Laurel Anders, and Gary Moore were present from the PF&BC.

Leroy gave presentations on the Susquehanna/Juniata Creel Survey, New State Trout Management Plan, and VHS.

Susquehanna/Juniata River Creel Survey

v Being conducted from April 2007 to October 2007 on smallmouth bass.

v Looking at angler effort, catch rate, angler satisfaction, economic impact, and smallmouth bass exploitation.

v Anglers are being interviewed at accesses and fly overs are being done to determine boat numbers.

v PF&BC Fisheries Committee Meeting is scheduled on September 14, 2007 on the study and information is on the website.

PA Trout Management Plan Update 4^th Edition

v Prior editions were in 1986, 1987, and 1997.

v New plan will reflect changes such as effluent standards, fewer but larger trout, consolidation of special regulations, two opening days, and etc.

v Planning process has started and final plan is scheduled for October, 2008.  Public review and angler input will be a part of the process.

VHS – Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia

v Viral diseases introduced to Great Lakes probably by ballast water from ships.

v First detected in 2005.

v 37 North American fish species are affected by it.

v PF&BC currently prohibits export of live fish from Lake Erie basin and PA Dept. of Agriculture may institute quarantine in the future.

v It can survive freezing.

Dr. Austin discussed Agency Reorganization, Lake Erie Access Program, and Youth Fishing License.

Agency Reorganization:

v More efficient alignment of staff.

v Improved management structure.

v Building capacity in key areas.

§ New Division of Communications

§ New Division of Boating and Access

§ New Deputy for Administration

Lake Erie Access Program

v 20,000 ft of easements now acquired.  This is still private property for the most part and should be treated as such.

v Online information.

v Developing a statewide access program.

v On October 11_, 2007 there will be a fisheries meeting in Erie.

Youth Fishing License

v Junior license proposal for 12-15 year olds is online.

v Will help expand youth fishing programs.

v No problem with dedicated funding because they already have it in other areas, such as Lake Erie Access Program.

Meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m.