New York's Senator
CHARLES E. SCHUMER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 25, 2000

SCHUMER ANNOUNCES COMMERCIAL FISHERY DISASTER DECLARATION FOR LONG ISLAND SOUND

US Commerce Secretary Makes Declaration in Response to Lobster Die-Off

US Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that the US Department of Commerce tomorrow will declare Long Island Sound a Commercial Fishery Disaster in response to the lobster die-off in the Sound. Commerce Secretary William M. Daley, who Schumer has lobbied extensively concerning the disaster declaration, notified Schumer of the declaration in a phone call today.

"This bacteria threatens the livelihoods of the 900 New Yorkers who depend upon the lobster industry," said Schumer. "With about eight of every 100 lobsters being caught dead, this industry is in great peril. I am delighted that Secretary Daley has recognized the seriousness of this situation and I will continue to work to ensure that the Long Island Sound area receives the funding necessary to get to the bottom of the die-off."

New York is the nation's third largest producer of lobsters, behind Maine and Massachusetts. Lobster harvesters in New York, who produce 8.5 million pounds of lobsters worth nearly $30 million every year, first reported the die-off in mid-September. To date, pathologists have been unable to identify the cause of the die-off.

In a letter to Secretary Daley last month, Schumer, along with Senator Moynihan and Reps. Nita Lowey, Michael Forbes and Gary Ackerman, asked for the disaster declaration to mitigate the effects of the die-off.

"We urge you to provide any and all assistance within your power to assist these lobster harvesters, communities, small business owners, and employees of these businesses," wrote Schumer and his colleagues. "With no end to this die-off in sight, people are fearing not only the loss of a normally lucrative season, but the near end of an industry."

The Commercial Fishery Disaster Declaration is a federal designation which will authorize Congress to appropriate funds for the Long Island Sound area.

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