Long Island fishermen are sounding the alarm over a federal proposal to impose stricter regulations on fluke fishing.

Fishermen and party boat owners say the plan to cut fluke fishing from 23 million pounds to 5 million next summer would ruin a favorite Long Island pastime and destroy the Island?s marine industry. Dockside restaurant and tackle shop owners say they will also take a hit under the new regulations.

Federal officials say the stricter quota will help bring the stock of fluke up from 112 million to 204 million pounds by 2010. Local fishermen are asking for more flexibility during the rebuilding period that will not hurt the stocks, but allow a longer time for the government to reach its goal. Residents say it could mean the difference between whether Long Island?s $150 million fluke fishing industry sinks or swim.