February 16, 2016 — WEST HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)– A battle brewing in Washington could mean big changes for Connecticut fishermen. Those fishermen, and some environmental experts say that the proposal for changing who controls Block Island Sound could have dangerous effects.
Block Island Sound is between New York and Rhode Island, but it is used by Connecticut fishermen all the time. And it’s used as a breeding ground for a very important kind of fish. The change they’re talking about in Washington could be very bad for both.
When fishing boats head out for the day, the first three miles from shore is considered state waters, then the federal government takes over. So from 3 miles off the eastern end of Long Island, New York, there are several miles of federal water before you reach the 3 mile limit around Block Island, Rhode Island. That is important because Block Island Sound is a breeding ground for striped bass, a prized trophy fish, but it is illegal to fish for them in federal waters.
“Everybody would love to fish here, obviously,” said charter boat captain John Frione. He knows where he can and can’t fish, but a Long Island congressman worries some fishermen might accidentally drift into federal waters.