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occurrence of fish or shellfish disorders. There are no infectious or 
noninfectious diseases that are unique to the New York Bight. Several 
fish and shellfish disorders previously associated with the 12-Mile 
Site also have recently been reported under hatchery conditions and 
the bacteria and fungi isolated from infected fish have been found 
widely distributed in most marine environments. The incidence of some 
fish and shellfish disorders in relatively unstressed environments has 
led authors to conclude that certain diseases are latent in most fish 
populations and may intensify periodically for Natural reasons. 
The New York Bight apex continues to support a valuable and viable 
sport fishery despite current dumping practices. The recreational 
fin fishery of the New York Bight is composed primarily of migratory 
species with the fishing effort shifting spatially and seasonally 
among species. With the exception of large gamefish (marlin, sword- 
fish, and tuna), which are caught along the outer edge of the shelf, 
most of the recreational fishery is concentrated in the more acces- 
sible inshore areas. Most of the catch comes from within 15 miles of 
shore with a high proportion of the take within 3 miles. Many of the 
Major recreational fishing grounds are located in close proximity to 
the active Bight dumpsites and elimination of waste disposal in the 
area would not be expected to increase the fishery. Estimates of 
the number of anglers and the size of the recreational catch have 
increased steadily over the past two decades and the increase is 
expected to continue. The Pecheat tous landings from the Bight area 
for the major sport species approach or exceed commercial landings. 
Declines and fluctuations in most of the major stocks generally have 
