DEC reminds fishers of safety precautions
NEWYORK » While many people are spendingmore time outdoors to socially distance during the ongoing pandemic, those who plan on fishing this winter are being reminded of some other safety precautions.
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, ice is not safe yet on ponds, bays of lakes and river backwaters.
Due tomildweather inrecent weeks, it may be possible to access local bodies of water close to home, a press release from the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Albany County said, noting that this will help keep trips short and help in avoiding high traffic destinations.
“Fishing is fun for kids and adults and fish are an important part of a healthy diet,” the release continued. “However, in the section of the Hudson River from the Troy Dam to the Rip Van Winkle Bridge in Catskill, there are unsafe levels of PCBs in the water and in the fish.”
Polychlorinated biphenyls ( PCBs) are industrial waste chemicals that can build up in the body over time, the release said. Health problems that may result from eating fish with PCBs range from small changes over time that are hard to detect to effects on birth weight and cancer. Women who eat highly contaminated fish and become pregnantmay have an increased risk of having children who are slower to develop and learn.
Exposure to contaminants may have a greater effect on young children than adults. For women over 50 years of age and men older than 15, four species of fish, including rock bass, yellowperch, alewife and blueback herring from this stretch of the Hudson River can be eaten once a month. South of the Rip Van Winkle Bridge in Catskill, more species of fish can be eaten up to one meal (½ lb.) per month, including striped bass.
The majority of waters in Albany County are clean and the whole family can eat a meal of fish caught in themonce a week. Two water bodies in Albany County are Ann Lee Pond in
Colonie, and Thompson’s Lake in Berne/Knox. They are both popular for ice fishing and have public access to fishing. Fish species that are common in Ann Lee Pond includeCommonCarp,
Brown Bullhead, Pumpkinseed, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, White Crappie, Black
Crappie and Yellow Perch. In addition to fish on the above list, Thompson’s Lake also has Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Smallmouth Bass and Chain Pickerel.
Anyone fishing this winter should be prepared for changing winter weather conditions like snow, ice and cold weather by wearing layers of clothing, the release also stated, reminding people to plan ahead and carry equipment in a daypack such as first aid supplies, food and water, a map and sun protection. It is also recommended that fishermen or fisherwomen inform someone else of their expected route and return time.
“Be responsible and stay safe out there this winter,” the release concluded.
Those interested in fishing can visit www.health. ny.gov/fish to find a list of fishing waters with public access, and a free informational material titled “Hudson Valley Region: Health Advice on Eating Fish You Catch.”
More information about licenses, rules and regulations pertaining to fishing can be found online at www.dec.ny.gov.