Wildlife, Fish, and Marine Life Newsletter

Shark Fishing in New York’s Marine Waters

Shark Week 2019 is almost here and New York's marine waters provide important habitat to many shark species! Before shark fishing, you must apply for the NYS Recreational Marine Fishing Registry and a National Marine Fisheries Service Highly Migratory Species Permit.

NOAA Fisheries has increased 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.

Please remember, sharks with an interdorsal ridge (which is a visible line of raised skin between the two dorsal fins) are known as ridgeback sharks. All ridgeback sharks (except the tiger, oceanic whitetip, and smoothhound) are prohibited to target and possess. Dusky and sandbar (brown) sharks are commonly found ridgebacks that are prohibited from taking. Visit DEC’s website to learn more about local shark species.

If you catch a prohibited shark, please remember the following best practices:

• Minimize your fight time and release time. Exhaustion can cause the shark to die. Do not delay release to take pictures.
• Always keep the shark in the water. If fishing from shore, do not drag a shark beyond the surf zone. If fishing from a boat, keep the shark in the water alongside your boat facing into the current.
• If the shark is hooked in the jaw, use a long-handled de-hooking device to help with hook removal or bolt cutters to cut the hook.
• If it is not possible to remove the hook, cut the leader as close to the hook as safely as the situation allows. Long lengths of leader left with the shark decrease its chance of survival after it is released.
• Remember, “If you don’t know, let it go!”

Tagging sharks as a volunteer does not make you exempt from state regulations. Special licenses are required for individuals to collect and tag prohibited species.

Photo: Shortfin mako by Justin Pellegrino.

139-Pound Sturgeon Caught in Oneida Lake is Largest Since Stocking Began

Fisheries researchers working under a DEC-funded contract at Cornell University's Biological Field Station at Shackleton Point recently caught a 72.5-inch, 139-pound lake sturgeon in Oneida Lake.

This large sturgeon, estimated to be 20 years old, was one of 11 caught in a single day earlier this summer. Once captured, biologists sedated the sturgeon, measured and weighed the fish, took samples to determine age, tagged it, and allowed the fish to recover before releasing it back into the lake.

DEC began stocking lake sturgeon in Oneida Lake in 1995 to reverse past devastating losses due to overfishing and damming of rivers, which are critical spawning habitats. Since then, DEC has stocked almost 11,000 sturgeon in Oneida Lake. Before the stocking program began, the lake sturgeon population throughout the Great Lakes region was estimated at one percent of historic levels.

DEC's lake sturgeon recovery program has made great progress statewide. Anglers are now more likely to encounter lake sturgeon while fishing. Anglers should remember that there is no open season for lake sturgeon and possession is prohibited. Any lake sturgeon caught accidentally must be immediately released without harm. If anglers see a sturgeon bearing a yellow dangler tag on the dorsal (top) fin, they should make note of the number without removing the tag and contact the nearest DEC regional office. Any sightings of lake sturgeon are of interest to DEC and research partners.

For more information on the Lake Sturgeon Recovery Plan, view the Lake Sturgeon Recovery Plan (PDF).

Why Did the Snake Cross the Road?

Snakes are usually not thought of as being migratory, but they are creatures of habit. Different species will move greater distances than others, but all seek out habitats for similar activities. They are seeking areas for basking and shedding, foraging and digestion, mate searching, suitable nesting or birthing habitat, and overwintering. During these travels, snakes of many species will find roads that they will need to cross to reach necessary and familiar habitats. Unfortunately, roads play a major role in snake mortality each year, especially during the hotter months.
Smaller species such as common garter, smooth green, and red-bellied snakes may be difficult to spot on pavement. Larger species such as copperheads, black rat snakes, and rattlesnakes are easier to see and avoid hitting. Many will move out of the road when you approach, but some species will hold their ground. It is important to remember never to handle a venomous species; simply waiting for them to cross is an option. If in doubt, contact an Environmental Conservation Officer for assistance.

Photo by William Hoffman.

The Application Deadline for the Deer Management Assistance Program is August 1

Landowners who are experiencing damage from deer may wish to consider applying for extra harvest tags through our Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP). DMAP helps qualifying landowners and resource managers implement site-specific deer management on their lands to address crop damage or forest regeneration problems, protect areas of sensitive and rare plants, or conduct custom deer management programs. It can also be used by municipalities to reduce deer-related problems in residential communities.

DMAP permittees receive antlerless deer harvest tags that they can distribute to licensed hunters of their choice for use on the property where they are experiencing problems. The tags can be used only during open deer hunting seasons.

To see the eligibility requirements for DMAP or to download an application form, visit the DMAP webpage. Applications for this fall must be submitted to your regional DEC office by August 1.

Photo by Dick Thomas.