By Jasmyn Belcher
Oswego, NY – Central New Yorkers are being encouraged to interact with scientists who study Lake Ontario fisheries.
The New York State Department of Environment Conservation is holding its annual State of Lake Ontario public meetings next month. Biologists are expected to give presentations on fish populations, and provide updates on restoration and invasive species control efforts.
Maureen Wren is with the DEC. She said maintaining the health of Lake Ontario and fisheries is a two-way street, and the DEC is relying on public input.
"The people who live along the lake are some of our best observers of the conditions that are going on within the waterways. So we rely on that kind of information, that the people might be able to provide based on information that we convey to them to keep aware and to be vigilant in order to help us protect those waterways," said Wren.
According to a survey conducted in 2007, the estimated value of Lake Ontario fisheries exceeded $112 million to local New York economies. A meeting has been scheduled for Oswego County on March 9th.