NOAA restrictions on fluke fishing could hurt LI industry

Long Island fishermen are telling News 12 Long Island that new restrictions on fluke fishing threaten their livelihood and could hurt the entire industry. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

News 12 Staff

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Dec 23, 2016, 3:56 AM

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Updated 2,920 days ago

Long Island fishermen are telling News 12 Long Island that new restrictions on fluke fishing threaten their livelihood and could hurt the entire industry.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has announced restrictions that will limit the amount of fluke allowed to be caught in 2017 by 30 percent.

Captain Patrick Gillen says the restriction will be a burden on his business.

"People like to come out fishing and the experience of being on the water, to catch some fish and to bring some home," says Gillen. "The less fish people can take home, that would be detrimental to us."

Sen. Charles Schumer joined with local fishermen Thursday to call on federal officials to hold off on setting new restrictions.

According to NOAA officials, an assessment taken this past summer shows the fluke population is continuing to decline. They say the restrictions will ensure sustainability of the fluke.

Fishermen say they're hoping for a resolution before fluke season begins on May 1.