Saltwater Fishing & Boating Newsletter
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 03/08/2019 10:07 AM EST |
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Saltwater Fishing & Boating Newsletter |
NOAA Fisheries Implements New Shortfin Mako Shark Size LimitsEffective March 3, 2019, NOAA Fisheries has set the recreational minimum size limit for shortfin mako shark caught in federal waters (3 - 200 miles offshore) to 71 inches (fork length) for male sharks, and 83 inches (fork length) for female sharks. Male sharks can be identified by the two claspers located near their pelvic fins. Female sharks do not have claspers. This amendment to the fisheries management plan was put into effect in response to an international stock assessment which found that the shortfin mako stock is overfished, and overfishing is occurring.
The size limit for shortfin mako shark caught in state waters (0 – 3 miles offshore) is 54 inches (fork length). Visit Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations for more information on shark fishing limits. For more information about coastal sharks, visit DEC's website. Proposed 2019 Regulations for Commercial Striped BassNYSDEC is seeking feedback on proposed regulation changes for commercial striped bass fishing. The changes will open the commercial harvest season for striped bass on May 15 to give anglers in the Marine and Coastal District more opportunities to harvest their annual fishing quota. The commercial quota would remain as specified in the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Interstate Fisheries Management Plan. Visit DEC’s Marine Resources Proposed Regulations to review proposal and provide input. NYSDEC will accept comments through April 15, 2019. You can also direct comments and questions to Carol Hoffman at: 205 N Belle Mead Road, Suite 1, East Setauket, NY 11733. Vessel Speed Restrictions Help Reduce Whale StrikesNOAA Fisheries implements vessel speed restrictions of 10 knots or less in certain areas, including both Seasonal Management Areas (SMAs) and Voluntary Dynamic Management Areas (DMAs). Vessel speed restrictions only apply to vessels that are 65 feet (19.8 meters) or longer. The purpose of this regulation is to reduce the threat of ship collisions with North Atlantic right whales and prevent deaths and serious injuries to these endangered whales that result from collisions with ships.
Block Island Sound waters bounded by:
Within 20 nautical miles (nm) radius of Port of New York and New Jersey:
For more details and graphics of all ship strike management zones, visit NOAA's website. Upcoming EventsRiver Herring Monitoring Training Sessions Volunteers are needed to watch for spawning river herring. River herring, alewife and blueback herring, are native to Long Island and Westchester County. Like salmon, they split their life cycle between salt and freshwater. Most tributaries once supported spring runs of returning river herring. Unfortunately, river herring runs have been decimated by dams, habitat loss, and declining water quality. While remnant populations exist in a few rivers, little is known about their overall status in our area. Documenting existing spawning runs is an important step in the restoration effort. Monday, March 11, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 14, 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. Monday, March 18, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. Thursday, April 4 - 7 - 9 p.m. MeetingsMarine Resouces Advisory Council Meeting NYS F-TWG Fishing Transit Line Workshop |
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| Basil Seggos, Commissioner | |