SUBJECT:

PURPOSE:

Jones Beach State Park
Thursday, October 20, 2005
11:00 am
Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center
West End, Jones Beach State Park
Wantagh, NY

New York State’s diverse ocean and coastal resources are of tremendous environmental, social and economic value. Major indicators show that the State’s well-being is dependent in large measure on the well-being of its coast. Much of the State’s marine coast is highly concentrated with commercial and recreational vessels, marinas and other water-dependent businesses. Water-dependent activities relating to public access and recreational uses add billions of dollars to New York’s economy. In addition, commercial activity, such as the movement of cargo through New York Harbor, contributes many times more to the regional economy.

New York’s coastlines span hundreds of miles along the Atlantic Ocean and Long Island Sound. Unfortunately, New York has experienced a decline in the health and productivity of many of its ocean resources. Research has shown a declining trend in the State’s marine fisheries, including a decline in landings of seafood and shellfish over the past fifty years. Many factors impact the health of ocean waters, coastlines and beaches. These factors include over-fishing, point and non-point source pollution, invasive species, habitat alteration, and, potentially, climate change. Nationally, beach closings and health advisories were more numerous than ever in 2004.

The purpose of this hearing is to examine issues concerning the health of New York’s ocean resources and to focus attention on reversing negative impacts on the ocean. This information will help New York’s policymakers to determine appropriate State actions to abate the threats and restore coastal and ocean fish populations, habitats and waters.

Oral testimony will be accepted by invitation only and limited to 5 minutes duration. 10 copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committee would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements. Written testimony will also be accepted and may be sent to the contact person listed on the reply form. In order to further publicize the hearing, please inform interested parties of the Committee’s interest in receiving written testimony from all sources.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.

PUBLIC HEARING REPLY FORM

Persons invited to present testimony at the public hearing on the Health and Future of New York’s Ocean Environment to be held on October 20, 2005, or who wish to submit written testimony, are requested to complete and return this reply form by October 12, 2005 by mail or fax to:

Jennifer Cossu
Committee Assistant
New York State Assembly
Program & Counsel Staff
Capitol/ Room 520
Albany, NY 12248
e-mail: cossuj@assembly.state.ny.us
(518) 455-4363
fax (518) 455-5182

(It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.)

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