Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Officials: Lift black bass ban

Fish farmers from northern New York are rounding up support for a new law that would lift a ban on the sale of farm-raised black bass in New York.

The proposed bill would lift the state Department of Environmental Conservation ban on the sale of farm-raised black bass to fish markets, retailers and restaurants.

Dean Norton is president of the New York Farm Bureau. He contends that passing the legislation will result in job creation for rural areas throughout the North Country.

Norton also foresees increased profitability for fish farmers.

“We need economic growth in upstate New York right now and closing off the food fish market for New York fish growers is just another example of the many regulations that continue to restrict upstate development when we need it the most,” he said.

According to Norton, fish farmers in New York may only raise black bass for stocking waterways – not for food. He notes the sale of black bass for food is permitted in several neighboring states.

The legislation being discussed in Albany would permit growers in New York to take advantage of what Norton calls a nearly inexhaustible market.

He says the bill would also promote eating local.

Ted Universal is president of the New York Aquaculture Association. He’s also owner of Coolwater Fish Farm in Geneseo.

“If every fish grower in New York cultured exclusively black bass for food fish, we still wouldn’t be able to meet all the state’s demand since New York City is such a huge market,” Universal said. “This provides tremendous opportunity for our farmers.”

Norton says many fish farms are being forced into closure due to the costs of some DEC mandates. He notes those farmers are already operating on a slim profit margin.

“By allowing another market option for fish farmers, the health and growth of the aquaculture industry is encouraged and the health of other industries important to the economic well-being of the state are protected,” Norton said.

12 comments:

  1. I agree with what Norton commented here when he said, “By allowing another market option for fish farmers, the health and growth of the aquaculture industry is encouraged and the health of other industries important to the economic well-being of the state are protected,” Thanks for this thought.

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  2. Whatever the decision it would be, it must not make society and fish farmers feel suffer a financial lose. All decisions must be made for fish farmers and societies’ welfare. All must get the benefits from the decision.

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  3. May you always give us genuine news. I love this news so far.

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  4. There are so many things that I would like to thank God for. One, is that I am able to read this freely.

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  5. This news is very authentic. I would glad to have to know more about every news posted here.

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  6. We need to do what is right especially about fishing. In addition, we need to take good care and preserve the natural resources that we have.

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  7. May this issue be not taken for granted. This has to be addressed now.

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  8. I am very pleased that this is an official news. Yes, I do agree that this has to be addressed ASAP.

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  9. I appreciate that at least I am updated about what is happening in our place. Thanks for this post.

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  10. YEah, I agree with this nice thought. You are right with that.

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