
DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN — WHILE ON WHALE PATROL with law enforcement officers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, DEC marine enforcement officers incidentally inspected a fleet of fishing vessels re-entering state waters. The move paid off — Environmental Conservation Officers Pansini and Kortz discovered that four anglers on one of the fishing boats had hauled in a number of over-the-limit and undersized striped bass, and failed to possess marine registries. Striped bass have been overfished and their numbers are declining along the Atlantic coast, according to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. In New York, just one striped bass between 28 and 31 inches may be kept per person, per day, but these anglers had nine and will have to pay up at Kings County Criminal Court.
DEC and NOAA personnel on whale patrols enforce speed restrictions to reduce the likelihood of collisions between vessels and the highly-endangered North Atlantic right whale.
✰✰✰
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.

ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.