NYSF to donate $10k towards sportfishing protection

The 28th Annual New York Sportfishing Federation (Federation) Forum & Auction eclipsed last year's attendance levels, as more than 1600 hardcore fishermen walked through the gate at the Freeport Recreation Center from February 12-14. According to the Federation Board of Directors, despite the down economy and a Valentine's Day conflict, the 'Freeport Show' was another big success, with proceeds raised from the show already contributed towards key initiatives to help safeguard the rights of New York sportfishermen. The Federation Board met earlier this month and unanimously approved plans to contribute $10,000 in 2010 towards key lobbying efforts on behalf of recreational fishermen throughout the New York marine district, which includes $5,000 dedicated to the United Boatmen (UBNY) for the ongoing lawsuit brought by the state of New York, UBNY, New York Fishing Tackle Trades Association (NYFTA) and the Fishermen's Conservation Association to force the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) into a more equitable allotment of New York's shares of the fluke fishery.