Charter captain named to fishery council

The U.S. Commerce Department Monday announced the appointment of New York charter-boat captain Anthony D. DiLernia to an at-large seat on the Mid-Atlantic Marine Fishery Council, which manages fisheries in nearby federal waters.

New York's two U.S. senators applauded the appointment, which continues the state's position on the council that New Jersey had sought to fill.

DiLernia operates Rocket Charters, a sports-fishing boat company in New York City, and spent 15 years operating a research vessel in New York Harbor, his website says. He also is a professor at Kingsborough Community College in Brooklyn.

DiLernia, who was previously on the mid-Atlantic council from 1991 to 2002, in an interview pledged to represent sport and commercial fishing interests, which are sometimes in conflict. "I come from a commercial fishing family," he said.

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) hailed the appointment as a "huge win for the Long Island fishing community, which has been fighting to ensure that the local industry gets treated fairly from federal regulators."

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Tim Bishop (D-Southampton) in May also advocated for the position to remain in New York hands.

The council regulates 13 species of fish in federal waters caught by New York fishermen.

"We're happy the appointment remains in New York," said Bonnie Brady, executive director of the Long Island Commercial Fishing Association. "I look forward to working with Mr. DiLernia to help promote and protect Long Island's fishing communities."