Last year, you may have heard from several groups, including the Federation, asking you to contact our state officials for their support to acquiring these rail cars, specifically the New York City Transit Authority “RED BIRDS”. Unfortunately, all of our efforts separately were not as effective as the environmental lobby groups, American Littoral Society and Clean Oceans Action to name a few, causing the Governor to decline the offer of these rail cars. As a result of this decision, the States of Maryland, Delaware and Virginia now are reaping the benefit from their reef sites.

It seems that the Governor saw this issue as strictly an environmental issue. Yes it is, in part, but it is also a conservation and economical issue as well. Not only do these artificial reefs provide a safe haven, by providing structure for several species of fish to spawn, or just call home, they also serve as shoreline protection. With the placement of artificial reef along our shoreline, the structure begins to attract organisms and plankton which attach themselves to the structure thus attracting more fish. Another issue is the economical factor, artificial reefs have produced some of the most successful and exciting fishing in many years. Recreational fishing brings in over 1.8 million dollars a year in revenue to the State of New York, and “that aint hay”. 

Recently we got word that the Long Island Railroad will be decommissioning over 700 obsolete over the next 5 years. The Federation, along with members of the fishing, boating and diving organizations on Long Island got together and discussed what would be the most effective way to stress the importance of these rail cars to the Governor, and that we cannot afford to miss out on this opportunity again. All agreed that doing it separately was not effective, it must be done by a solid group or coalition. A coalition was formed of over 30 user groups, including the Federation, fishing clubs, fishing, boating and diving organizations. Others on board including marine biologists, party and charter boat associations, and other interested groups. Friends from the scientific community helped with much of the research and the coalition was moving forward. 

To date, letters of support have gone out to members of the State Legislature assuring them that these rails cars comply with Federal environmental standards. The New York State DEC has approved sites on the North and South shores. As time goes on, we will report the progress of the project.

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Last modified: June 15, 2007