New York elected officials are backing a lawsuit to fight a federal government limit on commercial fishing operations.

Governor Andrew Cuomo and Attorney General Letitia James say the state is challenging what they regard as an "unfair quota" allocated to the state's fluke fishery.

The action follows the adoption of new federal regulations which set guidelines based on 40-year-old fisheries data.

In a statement, Cuomo said the state's commercial fishing industry has been held back by "outdated federal restrictions."

James said her office will fight to protect the industry, noting many "people and communities" depend on its "continued economic health."

State environmental conservation commissioner Basil Seggos said the unfair federal quotas have forced New York to restrict fishing access. He said the regulations are "limiting the economic prospects" of those involving in the commercial fishing industry.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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