[Snytrophyhunter]

I'm relativly new to the site so this topic has probably been covered before. Just in case I though I'd post it. I received my envelopes and log book already and I'm looking forward to Bass season. I just received an update from the DEC requesting that I also save the head from any Bass that I may keep so that they can study the "otoliths" (ear bones) of the fish which gives a more accurate aging.



Striped Bass Cooperative Anglers Program

New York State needs you, the recreational angler, to help us!

Yes, we do! Here's an chance for you, the angler, to participate in a fishery research project on its most important level, that of data collection for the DEC Striped Bass Cooperative Anglers Program (SBCA). Whether it's a schoolie or a keeper, the information you provide will aid biologists along the Atlantic coast in producing management decisions for striped bass and other marine species.

The SBCA provides you with a logbook and scale envelopes to record your fishing trips in a permanent database. All we need to do is record your information from the logbook at the end of the season. It will be returned to you promptly. All participants will receive a copy of the program's annual report along with various updates and regulation changes. If you would like to participate in the SBCA's logbook program, contact our office at (631) 444-0488. Ask for the SBCA program coordinator. If you prefer, you may e-mail us at the Bureau of Marine Resources.

Happy fishing!

 

[bucktail]

do you trust the DEC enough to give them info that will probably used against you? Food for thought.

 

[Scott1280]

I participated for a couple of years, but at this point I'm so fed up with the DEC that I'm opting out.

 

[MakoMike]

Do they do the same thing for the commercial striped bass fishermen? I would think that they would be a better and more reliable source of information.

 

[MistyTom]

I have a New York state charter license which requires me to send them a record of all of the bass that I catch. They have never requested the heads or ear bone.

Hmmm.

Then again, maybe they did and I do not remember.

 

[WaterAye]

No they don't ask us for the aging parts, but they do collect them. The NY DEC does shore side biological sampling of the commercial fish. They collect scales and age-length data at various markets throughout the state. The problem is that data is truncated because the commercial fishermen can only harvest fish between 24 and 36 inches.

I think the DEC is keen on collecting hard parts from big fish.

 

[obtuseangler]

This sounds like a potentially very satisfying study to participate in. I'm thinking of keeping all the fishheads stored carefully in black plastic garbage bags in a warm sunny place and delivering them to the local DEC office some Sunday evening in August.

 

[lighttackleman]

obtuseangler wrote:
This sounds like a potentially very satisfying study to participate in. I'm thinking of keeping all the fishheads stored carefully in black plastic garbage bags in a warm sunny place and delivering them to the local DEC office some Sunday evening in August.

mwhahahhahhahahha.... yes i like the way you think. Nothing like 12 or 15 stinky old 2 week bass heads. Here you go boys enjoy.