FISH RESEARCH: WSF's The Great Fish Count (June 4, 2016)

Synopsis: The World Science Festival's "The Great Fish Count” was a free citizen-science event, in partnership with the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and environmental education programs at each specific sites. The event covered the five boroughs of NYC and sites in NJ, for a total of 15 Hudson River sites that were surveyed simultaneously. Its focus was on the ecology and diverse fish fauna of the Hudson River. Anyone was allowed to participate! Volunteers tried on waders (waterproof overalls), hauled a seine net, and discovered aquatic life in NYC and NJ waters. The event brought together ecologists, environmental scientists, and the public for a real scientific research endeavor. 

Project: World Science Festival's The Great Fish Count
Host: World Science Festival
Organizers: World Science Festival, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and environmental education programs at specific sites.
Website:  http://www.worldsciencefestival.com/programs/great-fish-count/


Date: June 4, 2016
Location: Multiple sites; this report only covers the Bloomer Beach site in Englewood, NJ. 

(Photo Credit: Peter J. Park)

Bloomer Beach Site Director(s): Peter J. Park 
Assistants: Kuan Chiu, Tyric Martin, Pamila Ramotar-John, and Kishi John 

Participants: General Public
Methods: Seining 




Environmental Variables:
Air Temp: 27.8 C (82 F)
Water Temp: 23.33 C (74 F)

Salinity: 15ppt

Dissolved Oxygen: 8ppm


Species Caught (and Released):

Fish Species:

Bay Anchovy (Anchoa mitchilli)

(Photo Credit: Peter J. Park)

White Perch (Morone americana)

(Photo Credit: Semi Park)

Northern Pipefish (Syngnathus fuscus)

(Photo Credit: Andrew Wu)

  Atlantic Tomcod (Microgadus tomcod)
 

(Photo Credit: Andrew Wu)

Other Species:
Blue Claw Crab (Callinectes sapidus)

(Photo Credit: Semi Park)

 
Shrimp (2 species)

"Grass" Shrimp (Photo Credit: Peter J. Park)

Sand Shrimp (Crangon septemspinosa) (Photo Credit: Andrew Wu)

Follow-Up: Larisa M. Downes, author of the blog Science Savvy Kids wrote an article on about her experience at this event as WSF team member. Check it out: http://www.sciencesavvykids.com/blog/local-wild-and-accessible
 


Additional Info: All procedures and activities described above were permitted by the NY DEC.

Acknowledgements: Special thanks to Margie Turrin (Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory) and Stephen Stanne (NY DEC) for inviting us to participate in this event!

FISHING STORIES: Winter Flounder Tournament Time! (May 21, 2016)

On Saturday May 21st, we participated in our first-ever fishing tournament, the 4th Annual Iron Bill Winter Flounder Tournament at Jones Beach Pier! 

(Photo Credit: Ed Wagner)

Thank you Ed Walsh of Jones Beach Fishing Station for inviting us! Although a flounder we did not catch, we still had a blast! 
 
Kuan, Nyack College Fishing Club member, caught this stunning Northern Sea Robin (Prionotus carolinus). This unique local orange-colored species has wing-like pectoral fins and little walking legs (which are actually modified pectoral fin rays) that it uses to feel around and taste the ocean bottom! This species is also famous for making intriguing croaking noises.

Here is Hector, Nyack College Fishing Club member, with a Northern Pufferfish (a.k.a. Blowfish) (Sphoeroides maculatus). Although the fish was caught by a neighboring angler, we just had to take a photo (with permission, of course) of this oddball local fish species! The Northern Pufferfish is a teardrop-shaped fish that can inflate ("puff up") into a ball on its own will. Their expandable stomach allows them to swallow either air or water! It does this as a self-defense strategy, making it nearly impossible to be swallowed by a predator!

We also caught a fair number of Common Spider Crabs (Libinia emarginata). Although this local species is not edible, its close cousin is the Alaskan King Crab, of the Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch" fame.

And some Atlantic Rock Crabs (Cancer irroratus) made their presence known...

One notable rock crab had a miniature right claw, probably being regenerated after having lost the previous one in the recent past. Every animal has a story. We wonder how this guy lost a claw....? :)

  
We also saw a crab that is not really a crab. A big Horseshoe Crab (Limulus polyphemus) made it on the pier, caught by another neighbor. This invertebrate is actually not a true crab. It does not have the following: the right number of legs and claws (True crabs are "decapods," meaning ten feet!), an abdomen tucked under the body, internal gills, or biramous appendages (paired appendages attached at a common base). The Horseshoe Crab does have pincer-like chelicerae (mouthparts also found in scorpion and spiders) and book gills (very similar to the book lungs of scorpions). Thus, the Horseshoe Crab's closest cousins are actually spiders and scorpions, altogether comprising a group that biologists call Chelicerata! Other neat facts about Horseshoe Crabs: 1) Their mouth is located between their shoulders; 2) They have four eyes: two simple eyes (for detecting light and dark) + two compound eyes (for visualizing our images); 3) Their tail (called a telson) is NOT poisonous and NOT used intentionally to inflict harm to other animals; it is used only to right itself when the animal is flipped. That said however, the telson was possibly used by Native Americans as tips for spears; 4) They have blue-colored blood with such amazing anti-bacterial properties that it is studied by biomed researchers for potential human medical benefits.

While reeling in some seaweed, we also caught a glimpse of small peculiar, often overlooked, invertebrates - Amphipods and Skeleton Shrimp!

Amphipod

Skeleton Shrimp

We did not catch a flounder, and so, we didn't make the scoreboard this year. Overall though, we still had a great time learning a bit more about Long Island's precious south shore waters. Amazing invertebrates and a neat Sea Robin was our tournament haul. :)

Oh the anticipation! Not to worry - We will be back next year to catch the elusive Winter Flounder!


Quotes of the Day

- "I caught a fish! First fish on my new fishing rod!" - Kuan

- "This pier is really cool!" - Hector

- "I wanna catch a fish in the crab trap!" - Zachary  

FISHING STORIES: Nyack College Fishing with R&G Fishing Charters (2013-2016)!

Thank you to one of the best fishing charters we know - R&G Fishing Charters! From fishing knots to fishing stories, you taught us a lot about fishing and friendships! Thank you for the unforgettable and unbelievable fishing experiences over the years. We wanted to commemorate those good ole’ times with this short video! As always, we look forward to fishing with you soon!

Capt. Rich Tenreiro and Natalie Roseberry-Tenreiro are the core of R&G Fishing Charters! This angling power couple and duo truly are the king and queen of inshore fishing in NY. Natalie has landed many a behemoth bass, with her personal best being a whopping 47 pounder!
 

Capt. Rich was co-host on the hit TV Show "Northeast Angling" (Angling Productions, Inc.), which aired on northeast regional sports TV channels from 2003 to 2011:

Capt. Rich is a licensed charter captain and owner of R&G Fishing Charters (Port Washington, NY). He has been featured in numerous premiere fishing magazines such as Saltwater Sportsman and The Fisherman. He is a member of Team Triton/Mercury the 2008 FLW Striper Series champions, and a renown expert of catching all kinds of east coast inshore gamefish.

It's always a blast to fish with R&G! Here are just some of the many "Memorable Catches" by Nyack College faculty, students, and friends while fishing aboard R&G Fishing Charters:

FISHING HOW-TO: Party Boat Fishing 101 (10 Things You Need to Know)

By Peter J. Park

NOW is always a prime time to catch big fish! NYC marine waters offer rich fishing opportunities to catch a trophy fish from shore or a boat. While we could spend endless pages on shoreline or surf fishing, this post is about fishing from a party boat (also called "head boat"). Don’t worry, there is no real party here on a fishing party boat (no disco lights, dancing, or music) - it is just good old fashioned fishing fun!

Generally, there are two types of for-hire fishing boat services available in NYC – private charters or party/head boats. Private charters are pricier but provide a unique opportunity to fish with just your friends and a local fishing expert. In NY, booking a charter requires advance reservation by a group of anglers and a single payment due in full (often cash) upon arrival on the boat (but some captains prefer to be paid at the end). Charter trips are usually on smaller boats and thus, have a maximum limit of anglers (usually 2-6). Cancellation fees might apply if you don’t show up or cancel last minute on a private charter. In contrast, party boats are less expensive, usually do not require a reservation, do not require that you come with a group (each angler pays for himself/herself), and do not generally have cancellation fees if you no-show when payment is due as you board. However, compared to private charters, party boats can get crowded. In summary, booking a charter is a lot like a group of pals chartering a private jet and jumping on a party boat is like flying on a commercial airplane (except for the no cancellation fee part). Each type of fishing boat trip comes with its own perks, expectations, and logistics. This post will focus on party boat fishing.

Over the countless years fishing on different local party boats, I have come to know many party boat captains. Before I begin, I just have to mention that I know them all to be amazing, hard-working, and extremely knowledgeable professionals. Here is a video of a dedicated party boat captain at work who also just happens to be a good friend of the Nyack College Fishing Club - Capt. Anthony Romeo of Never Enuff Fishing!

So, are you feeling ready to jump on a fishing party boat? Below is a list of norms to be mindful of as you prepare for a trip.

1. Be Prepared to Pay in Cash and Arrive at the Dock Early. Payment of the fare is usually in cash but some party boats do provide a credit card option. Check rates online or give the captain a call. What are you paying for in the fare? A LOT ACTUALLY: the safety and comfort of a big boat, the captain's expertise, gas, bait, sinkers and hooks, rod and reel (loan), assistance with line tangles and tackle troubles, someone to net and handle your fish, someone to fillet your fish, and a motivational chat from time-to-time when the fishing is slow. Also, arrive at least 15-30 minutes before sailing time (or earlier). This will allow you to speak to the captain and/or mates, should you have any last minute questions. Note that the sooner you arrive, the better chance you have at choosing your fishing spot on the boat.

 

2. Where to Fish on a Party Boat? It depends. Every fisherman has their preferences. Some prefer the “bow” (front of the boat), some prefer the “stern” (rear of the boat), while others prefer various spots in between. Choice of spot depends on many factors such as direction that the boat will drift (if the captain chooses not to anchor), convenience (sometimes mates are more accessible at certain spots on the boat), or sometimes, simply superstition. Also, you should be aware that it is considered rude to take over someone else’s fishing spot on a boat. If an angler establishes a spot (often marked by their rod being in a particular rod holder) and leaves it for a moment, always make sure that he/she has no intention of returning to that spot before you decide to move in.

3. Check Recent Fishing Reports. Some party boat companies will regularly post fishing reports. Online forums (such as www.noreast.com) provide additional information about how good the fishing is or has been. It also doesn’t hurt to give the captain a call and just ask about the fishing. However, when it comes to angler-initiated fishing reports, take them with a bit of caution because sometimes anglers will only post after a solid period of excellent fishing has passed (when the “awesome bite” is over). Why? Because this prevents the likelihood that they will be fishing with a crowd. In other words, experienced anglers know how to keep a secret. :)

4. Dress for the Weather. Once you are on the boat, that’s it. When you are out on the water, you are at the mercy of Mother Nature. It is best to be prepared than sorry. Remember, it is often chillier and windier out on the water than on land. Wear waterproof boots. If fishing in the day, bring sunglasses and sunblock. If clouds are in the forecast, bring a rain jacket.

 

5. Pack Snacks and Drinks. The party boat will post or inform you of the time duration it will be out on the water. Plan accordingly – it’s always nice to have food with you should you get hungry. Drinking water is a must because standing and fishing can be quite taxing on the body. Some party boats may provide food and drinks for purchase on board. Oh and ABSOLUTELY NEVER BRING BANANAS ON A BOAT!

6. Fishing Gear can be Borrowed (or Rented). There is no need to have your own fishing gear. Almost all party boats in NYC can provide anglers with a fishing rod-and-reel, rigs, and bait – it is usually included in the fare cost (but some do charge separately). Experienced anglers usually bring their own gear, which is often more sophisticated than boat equipment, to enhance their fishing experience. 

7. Wait for the Horn. So, you are finally prepared to fish on the boat. It leaves the dock and rumbles toward the fishing grounds. Upon arrival to a fishing area, wait for the captain to signal when it is okay to start fishing. This is often indicated by the sound of a horn. You will generally see experienced anglers ready themselves moments before it is time to drop a line. The horn blows, and the fishing ensues. After some time, once fishing at a spot has run its course, the captain may plan to re-locate the boat. If so, he/she will give an indication (again, often with the sound of a horn), immediately after which anglers must reel up their lines and patiently wait until the boat has settled at the new location. 

 

8. Be Mindful of Fish Open Seasons. Fishing that is permitted for a particular fish species often occurs during specific times of the year. Reasons for this vary – for example, some species are migratory and thus are only present in our area at certain times of year, while other species are around but are limited to specific “open seasons” when it is legal to target them. Government agencies tightly regulate a fish species’ open season to avoid the chance of anglers over-harvesting them. The start and end dates of open seasons are based on current scientific research. For example, many fish species have closed seasons (where it is illegal to target the species) when they are known to be actively breeding.

Most targeted fishes also have size (total length) limits - this too is based on research. Usually a keeper-sized fish is a fish that is sexually mature and has had several opportunities to contribute to its species' gene pool. Thus, taken together, a keeper-sized fish is very likely to have bred several times before it can be legally caught and kept.

For example, in NY, the 2015 size limit for striped bass caught in the ocean was 28 inches in total length. Striped bass tend to become sexually mature at 3 years of age, and at 28 inches, it is usually 6-7 years of age (See age chart below). Legally, any fish shorter in length must be released. Anglers always have the option of keeping or releasing keeper-sized fish – do not ever feel obligated to keep a fish if you have no plans to eat it (or mount it, but even catch-and-release fish mounts are now readily available). Each angler on a party boat is responsible for their catch, and an illegally kept fish will result in a hefty fine. Information on fishing seasons can be found here: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7894.html

(Striped Bass Age Chart from delaware-surf-fishing.com)

 

9. Some Fish have Possession (Bag) Limits. Be sure that you are aware of fish species possession (bag) limits. As mentioned, many fish species are tightly regulated, and they must be caught in accordance to the legal possession limit allowed. See the figure below for 2015 NY possession limits of popular saltwater fishes. Each angler on a party boat is responsible for their catch, and an illegally kept possession limit will result in a hefty fine. Before and after you catch a fish, always check with a mate on species regulations. Detailed information on fish possession limits can be found here: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7894.html

 

10. Mates Always Deserve Gratuity. Typically, non-captain staff on a party boat (usually called “mates”) work for tips. This means that at the end of the day, customers should plan to give at least a 15-20% gratuity in cash for a mate's services, just like at a restaurant. Mates do many things on a boat, which include but are not limited to: offering suggestions and techniques, tying all rigs, re-tying rigs, freeing tangled any lines, de-hooking fish, and filleting and bagging fish. In my experience, mates work extremely hard and absolutely earn the gratuity, even when folks don't catch fish (which really isn't their fault anyhow). It is not customary to tip every mate on the boat (but you certainly can!). Usually, anglers select one mate (the one who paid you most attention) to give the tip. 

So, What's it REALLY Like Fishing on a Party Boat? It's fishing. That means some trips will be outstanding with "fish coming over the rails," but other times, it may be very slow. That's why they call it "fishing" and not "catching," right?

Here is a neat video of phenomenal fishing on the party boat Celtic Quest:

Need Party Boat Recommendations? Our members have fished on the following party boats and had a great time! We highly recommend any one of these top-notch party boats:

James Joseph (Huntington, NY): https://jamesjosephfishing.com/contact-us

Capitol Princess (Manhattan, NY): https://www.capitolprincess.com/
Never Enuff Fishing (Flushing, NY): http://www.neverenufffishing.com/
Island Current (City Island, Bronx, NY): https://islandcurrent.com/
Capt Dave (Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, NY): http://www.captdaveonline.com/

Ocean Eagle (Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, NY): http://oceaneaglev.com/
Captain Al (Point Lookout, Long Island, NY): https://www.facebook.com/The-Captain-Al-167971516830/
FishFinder (Captree, Long Island, NY): http://captreefishfinder.com/
Laura Lee (Captree, Long Island, NY): https://captree.com/
The King Cod (Center Moriches, Long Island, NY): http://www.kingcodfishing.com/
Rosie (Moriches, Long Island, NY): http://www.rosiefishing.com/

The Angler (Port Washington, Long Island, NY): http://www.theangler.com 

Celtic Quest (Port Jefferson, Long Island, NY): http://www.celticquestfishing.com/

FISHING STORIES: Free Fishing Events @ Battery Park City (NYC)

Amazing free fishing events hosted by the Battery Park City Parks Conservancy (BPCPC)! Check out info below.

The Nyack College Fishing Club is a big fan of BPCPC fishing events!

I. GO FISH!: A free fishing program open to the public. Four Saturdays every year are set to educate and teach the general public about the marine biology in downtown Manhattan by way of free fishing. During Go Fish, barbless hooks are used to minimize injuries to fish. Some fish are temporarily placed in saltwater tanks for observation and identification. All fish are released back into the Hudson River. Staff and volunteer anglers give demonstrations on fish biology and teach participants how to fish. Displays are provided to inform all about the thriving ecosystem that is the Hudson River. Rods, reels, and bait are provided. Participants are welcome to bring their own gear. This event offers rich and meaningful opportunities for new and experienced anglers to share their skills and knowledge with families, tourists, and everyday New Yorkers who are willing to drop a line in the water! Dr. Peter Park has been a volunteer "Master Angler" at GO FISH! since 2010. 

 

(Photo Credit: Peter J. Park)

II. FREE FISHING PROGRAM FOR SCHOOL GROUPS: Similar to the spirit of Go Fish, the BPCPC offers a free marine education program that uses fishing to teach school groups about the Hudson River ecosystem. Teachers can schedule a time to have their class participate in such an outing, which is private for the class. As with Go Fish, barbless hooks are used to minimize injuries to fish. Some fish are temporarily placed in saltwater tanks for observation and identification. All fish are released back into the Hudson River. Staff give informative lectures on the history and health of the Hudson River ecosystem. They also give lessons on fish anatomy and demonstrations on how to fish. Educational displays are showcased. Rods, reels, and bait are provided.

 

(Photo Credit: Peter J. Park)

 

More info about the Battery Park City Parks Conservancy:

"The Battery Park City Parks Conservancy is a private not-for-profit corporation created by the Battery Park City Authority in 1987 to manage, maintain, operate and program the parks and open spaces of Battery Park City. BPCPC’s mandate is to manage the parks for the enjoyment of the public and to do so in a world class manner.  In addition, the Board of Directors has supported the efforts of the staff to prove that world class maintenance can be done in a sustainable, or green, manner.

BPCPC believes that developing an environmental consciousness is an important public mission, both for individual park users as well as for the organization.  We ask staff and the public to think environmentally before they act.  We carry our vision through to reality through our electric vehicles, our office recycling and composting programs, our non-toxic pest control programs, and other practices." (Quoted from: http://bpcparks.org/about-us/who-we-are/)