New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

fishing

Harmful Algal Blooms in NYS: A Season Summary

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Harmful Algal BloomThe 2022 Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) notification season has ended, and the Department of Environmental Conservation posted the summary of this year’s HABs notices to the HABs Archive webpage.

During 2022, 198 waterbodies statewide were listed with “Confirmed HABs” on the NY HAB System (NYHABS). Over 1,600 HAB reports were collected, and of these, over 1,000 met criteria for a Confirmed HAB. The reports ranged from a single observation to widespread blooms that were persistent throughout the season. [Read more…] about Harmful Algal Blooms in NYS: A Season Summary

The Fulton Fish Market: A History

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The Fulton Fish MarketThe Fulton Fish Market stands out as an iconic New York institution. At first a neighborhood retail market for many different kinds of food, it became the nation’s largest fish and seafood wholesaling center by the late nineteenth century.

Waves of immigrants worked at the Fulton Fish Market and then introduced the rest of the city to their seafood traditions. In popular culture, the market — celebrated by Joseph Mitchell in The New Yorker — conjures up images of the bustling East River waterfront, late-night fishmongering, organized crime, and a vanished working-class New York. [Read more…] about The Fulton Fish Market: A History

Comments Sought On Western Lassiter Conservation Easement

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Beers Lot Easement map courtesy DECThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is seeking public comment on a draft recreation management plan (RMP) for the Western Lassiter Conservation Easements, in the town of Edwards, St. Lawrence County. The Western Lassiter Conservation Easement RMP consists of the 1,336-acre Beers Lot Conservation Easement and the 834-acre Pine Hill Conservation Easement.

The public comment period on the draft RMP is open until November 30th. [Read more…] about Comments Sought On Western Lassiter Conservation Easement

New Accessible Oneida Lake Boat Launch Construction Underway

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Location of new boat launch site on Cove Road, Oneida LakeNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the start of construction of a new boat launch on the Barge Canal at Cove Road in the town of Verona, Oneida County, to enhance fishing and boating recreational opportunities.

The boat launch will connect to Oneida Lake and its world-class fishing. [Read more…] about New Accessible Oneida Lake Boat Launch Construction Underway

First Evidence of Natural Lake Trout Reproduction in Lake Erie

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Lake Trout fry courtesy DECThe Journal of Great Lakes Research has recently published “Evidence of lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) natural reproduction in Lake Erie,” a new article on Lake Erie lake trout restoration. [Read more…] about First Evidence of Natural Lake Trout Reproduction in Lake Erie

Herkimer County’s Three Lakes Tract Management Plan Complete

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DEC LogoThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released a final recreation management plan (RMP) for the Three Lakes Tract Conservation Easement in the Town of Webb, Herkimer County.

The 3,350-acre Three Lakes Tract (TLT) is comprised of commercially managed forestland and is named for three waterbodies located on the property-Hitchcock, Grass, and Moose ponds. [Read more…] about Herkimer County’s Three Lakes Tract Management Plan Complete

Invasive Hydrilla Found Infesting Niagara River

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Hydrilla Cover courtesy DECThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced that hydrilla, an invasive aquatic plant, was found at two additional locations along the eastern shore of the Niagara River. The aquatic invasive was found and treated at a marina in North Tonawanda last year.

This past summer, a hydrilla plant found by a boat steward during a routine inspection prompted another round of surveys along the Niagara River. [Read more…] about Invasive Hydrilla Found Infesting Niagara River

Sturgeon Events Planned For October

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6 foot Lake Sturgeon from Oneida Lake provided by DECThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and New York Sea Grant (NYSG) have announced a series of fall events celebrating the continuing recovery of the state’s three sturgeon species.

Sturgeon populations are rebounding in New York after decades of being on the threatened or endangered species lists as DEC continues to work to bring the primitive and distinctive fish back to the freshwaters of the state through strategic fish management and water quality improvements. [Read more…] about Sturgeon Events Planned For October

Sing Sing Prison Break: A Hudson River Fishing Tale

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Herald Statesman articleThe Hudson River Maritime Museum has an extensive collection of oral histories interviews of Hudson River commercial fisherman, including Edward Hatzmann, who was recorded on April 25th, 1992.

Hatzmann recalled a story told to him by fellow fisherman Charlie Rohr, about a prison break from Sing Sing Prison in Ossining, New York. [Read more…] about Sing Sing Prison Break: A Hudson River Fishing Tale