by Contributor | April 17, 2026 4:55 pm
OSWEGO and CLAYTON, N.Y. – New York’s Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River fisheries, research and safety are on the agenda for two upcoming workshops for charter captains. The first is scheduled from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29 at the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St., Oswego; and the second is planned from noon to 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 7 at the Clayton Opera House, 403 Riverside Dr., Clayton.
Presented by New York Sea Grant, the workshops are free to attend and registration is not required. Captains may attend one or both workshops.
Speakers include representatives from the U.S. Geologic Survey, State University of New York (SUNY) at Oswego and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF).
New York Sea Grant Great Lakes Fisheries and Ecosystem Health Specialist Stacy Furgal said, “New York Sea Grant has designed these workshops as opportunities for the charter industry and fisheries research communities to share and gain information that helps enhance their services and stewardship of New York’s Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River.”
Oswego County Deputy Director of Tourism Daniel Breitweg added, “Local charter captains and fishing guides are important tourism ambassadors. They can take a fishing experience from ordinary to exceptional in a single day – and every business generates thousands of dollars into the local economy each year. With these workshops and the Oswego County Tourism Advisory Council’s Fishing Sub-Committee, we are excited to see where this year’s fishing season takes us.”
Thousand Islands International Tourism Council Executive Director Corey Fram said, “There are no greater stewards of enjoying our waterways and fishery than our charter captains and fishing guides. They take great pride in taking care of their guests and the environment. I’m grateful that New York Sea Grant has arranged for this series and that our fishing professionals embrace these opportunities to meet, share ideas and work toward creating a first-class experience for visitors.”
At each workshop, the U.S. Geological Survey will share information about the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River native fisheries and habitats. New York Sea Grant will provide materials on safe boating, electronic distress signal devices and how to select U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
The workshop schedule on April 29 in Oswego will also include a presentation by SUNY Oswego on alewife, salmon and yellow perch fisheries.
Eastern Lake Ontario Salmon and Trout Association President Captain Phil Lucason, of Family Style Fishing Charters, Sterling, N.Y., said, “These workshops are an excellent way to kick start the open water fishing season and get up-to-date on information about the charter industry and fishery.”
Captain Jeff Garnsey of Classic Island Cruises, Clayton, N.Y., said, “Having this collaboration by New York Sea Grant, the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and others gives stakeholders the unique opportunity to hear about important changes that may have come out over the winter to ensure that we are up-to-date for a new season on the water. Also, information on the current state of our local fishery is always valuable to anglers.”
New York Sea Grant is a statewide, university-based program that connects research, outreach, and education to the needs of New York’s coastal communities, environments and economies. It is a cooperative program of Cornell University and the State University of New York with 14 offices statewide and a part of the National Sea Grant College Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). For more information, go to www.nyseagrant.org[1].
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