Changes to Commercial Fishing Limits

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 12/27/2019 02:15 PM EST
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
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These Changes Only Apply to Commercial Fishing

January 2020 Commercial Trip Limits

On Wednesday, January 1, 2020, the following daily trip limits are effective in New York State. All trip limits will remain in effect until further notice. 

  • Black sea bass – The daily trip limit is set at 150 pounds.
  • Scup – The possession limit is 50,000 pounds per trip pursuant to NOAA Fisheries regulations.
  • Bluefish - The daily trip limit is set at 5,000 pounds.
  • Spiny dogfish – The daily trip limit remains at 6,000 pounds.
  • Summer Flounder – For holders of a summer flounder permit, a daily trip limit is set at 70 pounds.

These actions are taken pursuant to the quota distribution schedule of subdivision 40.1 (u) of 6 NYCRR.

All fish commercially harvested must be reported on Vessel Trip Reports (VTRs). If you need extra VTRs or would like information on online reporting, please call 631-444-0857.

See the complete list of Commercial Quota Harvest Limits for more information. View the Commercial Fishing Quota Usage Report for the most up to date details on commercial landing data in New York State.

Postcards have been sent to appropriate permit holders.

Submit Comments on Commercial Quota Distribution Plans

DEC is requesting stakeholder input on commercial quota distribution plans for horseshoe crab, bluefish, scup, black sea bass, and summer flounder (fluke). New York State quota distribution plans are developed based on the quota allocations received from NOAA Fisheries, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC), and review of fishery management plans.

Comments and questions can be sent by email to commercial.fisheries@dec.ny.gov or by calling (631) 444-0482.