Ghost Pots Menace: Uncovering the Hidden Impact on Long Island Sound's Fishing Industry

New York Fishing Podcast

Do you know about the ghost pots lurking in the Long Island Sound? Join us as we dive into this serious issue with our expert guest, Scott Curitolo Wagamon, a senior resource educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension in Suffolk County and director of the Fisheries Department. Scott sheds light on the lobster die-off of 1999-2000 and how the derelict lobster program was created to help remove these ghost pots, which have a major impact on the fishing industry.
In this eye-opening discussion, we explore the impact of ghost pots on the blackfish fishery of Long Island Sound and how it's led to increased prices and a targeted fishery. Scott shares the challenges of finding qualified lobstermen and the potential for new technology to address the problem, as well as the importance of managing the blackfish fishery to ensure a healthy population.
Finally, we delve into the complexities of the Long Island Sound recreational fishing industry and the role of ghost pots on the blackfish fishery. Discover how decisions made by the Mid-Atlantic Council and Southern Atlantic Council have altered the size and number of fish subject to harvest restrictions. Scott also gives us a glimpse into the striped bass specific project and strategies to protect this precious resource for anglers. So, tune in and learn how we can all support the recreational fishing industry in combating the ghost pots menace.

Capitoli

1. Long Island's Ghost Pots (00:00:00)

2. Changing Fisheries in New York (00:15:26)

3. Fisheries Management and Conservation Projects (00:23:57)

4. Advocating for Recreational Fishing Industry (00:36:10)