HRFA Member/Officer

Sergio Radossi

History of Sergio Radossi with the Hudson River Fishermen’s Association- NJ Chapter

Positions Held:

Ø  Joined East Coast Angler Fishing Club (formally the Hudson River Fishermen’s Association- NJ Chapter) 1982

Ø  Elected Board Member in 1982 (4^th quarter CY)

o    During this time, Sergio Radossi was elected to chair a project to revitalize the organization. This resulted in reinstating the Hudson River Fishermen’s Association- NJ Chapter with an updated mission statement and by-laws.   From an active membership of 30 (approximate) in 1982 the HRFA membership is 600  (as of  September 2008).

Ø  President 1983, 1984

Ø  Recording Secretary 1983 to 1988 (approx)

Ø  Representative to the Jersey Coast Anglers Association –1983-1986   estimated)

Ø  Representative to the New Jersey Federation of Sportsmen’ Clubs (1987-1989 estimated)

Ø  Corresponding Secretary 1983- 1991

Ø  Newsletter Editor 1982-1991

Ø  Chairperson “Hooked on the Hudson” event 1985 – 1990 (estimated) 2007-present. Ø  Liberty Derby Volunteer 2005-present Ø  Chairman of the Pete Barrett Award Committee  2006 – present Ø  Recipient of the 1st  Pete Barrett Award, 1984 Ø  Trustee 2008 (3-year term ending 2010) Ø  Representative to New Jersey Outdoor Alliance 2008

Projects:

Education/Public Awareness

1984 – Chaired  a project to organize and run a Hudson River Seminar in collaboration with the Palisades Interstate Park Commission and Tom Lake, noted Hudson River naturalist.

Chairman for “Hooked on the Hudson” event 1985 – 1990 (appox), 2007-present.

Hook on the Hudson was the result of a collaborative effort by Ms Jean Ross of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission and me.  The Palisades Interstate Park Commission continues to be a co-sponsor.   The event is designed to provide the public with both educational and recreational opportunities as related to the Hudson River Estuary.  As an example participants include environmental groups (Littoral Society, Sierra Club, etc), Marine Police, Coast Guard, Trout Unlimited, Audubon and others. The event includes a fishing contest with tag and release encouraged.  Except for a parking fee, the event is free.   2009 will mark the event’s 24^th continuous year.

Conservation

1986 – 1991; Striped Bass as a Game Fish – Lead HRFA efforts to legislate game fish status for the Striped Bass. Worked closely with legislators, the J.C.A.A., ASMFS, NJ DEP, Outdoors editors and others.   (Legislation signed into law 1991)

Fish Tagging Program – Championed support for the American Littoral Society tag and release program.

Supported Captain Bill Sheehan, the Hackensack River Keeper in his efforts to establish the Hackensack River Keeper organization.

Public Access

Lead HRFA efforts to insure public access rights for all to the Hudson River.  Worked in cooperation with NJ DEP on the Hudson River Walkway and Caven Point/Port Liberate’. This lead to a close working relationship with NJ DEP on additional Hudson River Access Projects.   Help to facilitate the hiring of a dedicated NJDEP access representative for New Jersey’s Hudson River waterfront.

Represented the HRFA in voice concerns and opposition to the Hudson River landfill, West Way Project.

Represented the HRFA in efforts to provide public input to insure fishing access at Liberty State Park in Jersey City. 

Worked to promote shoreline public access thru the JCAA.

To be continued.....