Saltwater Fishing & Boating Newsletter

Get Involved in Marine Fisheries Citizen Science

As summer approaches, NYSDEC encourages everyone to get outside and participate in citizen science projects offered in the Marine and Coastal District. There are many opportunities to get involved in marine science research and conservation efforts. Being a citizen scientist offers hands-on experiences in data collection and research methods, while helping biologists collect and analyze essential data they use to make informed decisions to conserve important local marine species.

Consider getting involved in one of the projects offered below:

Blue Crab Tagging Program and Survey

NYSDEC is asking for the assistance of recreational crabbers in reporting their crab harvest and reporting any tagged crabs you may encounter. The information you provide will help us better manage the New York blue crab fishery.

Shark-Spotter Survey

Submit your observations of sharks in the wild! The observations you submit will help biologists record the presence of coastal sharks in New York State waters and will also help to further the understanding of local shark ecology and behavior.

Striped Bass Cooperative Angler Program

Do you want to have a more active role in the conservation and management of striped bass? Join the NYSDEC Striped Bass Cooperative Anglers Program (SBCA) and take part in an effort to help manage and maintain a healthy striped bass population.

Artificial Reef Fishing and Diving Survey

If you're fishing or diving on one of New York's artificial reefs, consider submitting a digital survey of your observations. All the information you provide is important supplemental reef monitoring data and helps NYSDEC effectively manage and enhance our artificial reefs.

Recreational Lobster Fishing Survey

Report your recreational harvest lobsters in New York's marine waters. Information about your fishing trip such as, where and when you fished, what gear you used, and how many lobsters were caught help to assess the status of lobsters in the marine district. 

*Recreational lobster permits are only available to New York State residents. Visit DEC's web page on Lobster Permits for more information. 

Fishery Observer Coverage Program Completed

Increased fishery observer coverage for New York through NOAA's Northeast Fisheries Observer Program (NEFOP) ended March 31, 2019.

This coverage was for commercial fishing vessels landing catch in New York. NOAA will continue to provide observers for federal trips as usual, but there will be no more coverage of state only permit holders at this time.

The goal of fishery observer trips was to collect information on protected species including marine mammals, sea turtles, and Atlantic sturgeon. The data will be used to improve bycatch estimates for these species and improve the management of other special interest, non-target fish species that have low or unknown stock status. 

Share the Shore With Seals

Attention All Beachgoers! It is common this time of year to see seals on our local saltwater beaches, both in large groups or resting alone. Although seals are referred to as “sea dogs”, and it can be tempting to try and approach them, please remember they are wild animals and to keep your distance. 

Even though seals can be extremely cute, they are equipped with sharp teeth and can carry communicable diseases. It is stressful for the animal to be approached by humans, and they may become aggressive, especially if their pups are nearby.

All marine mammals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, therefore, members of the public are instructed to remain at least 150 feet from a marine animal, both on land and at sea.

If you suspect a seal or other marine mammal is sick or abandoned, please call the New York Stranding Hotline at 631-369-9829 to report the animal. To learn more about safe seal-watching, visit NOAA’s Share the Shore Campaign.

Aquaculture Lease Program Fishing Focus Group Meeting

The Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning is conducting intensive public outreach to obtain input during the early stages of the Suffolk County Aquaculture Lease Program (SCALP) Ten Year Review Project. Part of this effort involves convening a series of focus group meetings that will target specific stakeholders.

The Commercial and Recreational Fishing Focus Group meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 12, 2019, from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. in the first-floor conference room, Cornell Cooperative Extension Education Center, 423 Griffing Avenue, Riverhead, NY 11901-3071 (Google Maps).

The purpose of this focus group meeting is to obtain comments from baymen, commercial fishing interests, and recreational fishing stakeholders about the Lease Program, its impacts, shellfish farm operational concerns and related issues, all of which will be used in the Ten Year Review Project.

Please contact Suffolk County Division of Planning and Environment at 631-853-4775 with any additional questions.

Upcoming Events

Meetings

Marine Resources Advisory Council Meeting
Tuesday, July 23, 6 p.m.
SUNY Stony Brook - School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS)
Endeavor Hall, Room 120 (Google Maps) 

Directions to SoMAS: Long Island Expressway (LIE, I-495) to exit 62 (Nicolls Road/County Route 97). North on Nicolls Road for about 9 miles, crossing Route 347 to 2nd traffic light north of 347. Make a left at light (South Entrance) onto South Drive. At the next light, make a right turn onto Marburger Drive. Less than 500' turn right into Marine Sciences entrance, and immediately bear right. Follow the road to the School of Marine & Atmospheric Sciences and Endeavour Hall.