Saltwater Fishing & Boating Newsletter

In This Issue:

• Bluefish Recreational Fishing Regulations
• Marine Resources Advisory Council (MRAC) Webinar: Tuesday, May 19th 
• Be Safe While Fishing

Bluefish Recreational Fishing Regulations 

DEC has adopted new recreational possession limits for bluefish of three fish for private vessel and shore-based anglers, and five fish for anglers fishing from for-hire vessels. There is no restriction on minimum size or season. These regulations are consistent with neighboring states and in federal waters, 3–200 nautical miles offshore.  

NOAA implemented these temporary interim recreational regulations to help ensure the long-term sustainability of the bluefish stock, as recommended by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC), which jointly manage the Bluefish Fishery Management Plan (FMP). 

ASMFC and MAFMC are jointly developing a Bluefish Allocation and Rebuilding Amendment in accordance with the FMP. The rebuilding plan will consider adjusting allocations between sectors and states, the quota transfer process, and revising the Bluefish FMP objectives. For additional information and action updates, visit MAFMC’s website.   

Before going fishing, check the Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations for the most up to date limits and seasons, and make sure to enroll in New York’s free Marine Recreational Fishing Registry. The registry is required when fishing in New York's marine and coastal district waters or the Hudson River and its tributaries for "migratory fish of the sea". DEC encourages anglers to purchase sporting licenses online at this time, and anglers may use their privileges immediately by simply carrying their transaction number (DEC-LS#) with them. 

Marine Resources Advisory Council Webinar 

A Marine Resources Advisory Council (MRAC) meeting will be held by webinar on Tuesday, May 19, 2020, at 2 p.m. The webinar will allow registrants to listen to council deliberations and motions as they occur and view presentations.

Stakeholders are encouraged to submit public comments to kim.knoll@stonybrook.edu. Public comments will be accepted through Friday, May 22nd, and will be included in the meeting minutes. The complete agenda for the meeting is available at Stony Brook University’s website. 

To Join the Webinar 

• Online: Visit the following link to register and to access the meeting once it begins: Register for MRAC Webinar
• Mobile Device: From a smartphone or tablet, download Cisco’s Webex Meetings app and enter Access Code 612 748 109. 
• By Phone: Dial 1-844-633-8697 and enter Access Code 612 748 109.
• Please note: You will not be able to join the meeting until Tuesday, May 19 at 1:45 PM. 

For details about the meeting and to register for the webinar, visit DEC’s website. 

Be Safe While Fishing 

DEC would like to remind all anglers to maintain safe social distancing while fishing this year to help stop the spread of COVID -19.  

• Fish local: Stay close to home. Keep your fishing trip short. Avoid high-traffic destinations.
• Be safe: Avoid crowds and groups. Keep a distance of six feet or more from others. When fishing from a boat, make sure it's large enough so persons on board are at least six feet from one another.
• Stay home: If you're not feeling well, stay home. Anyone 70 and older or with a compromised immune system should postpone their trip.
• Be adaptive: Move quickly through parking lots and paths. If crowded, choose a different fishing location, or time to visit. 

Send Us An Email 

In response to the public health emergency for the COVID-19, DEC’s Marine Permit Office will be operating with reduced staffing levels. Please submit applications by mail or send us an email with any questions.

• For permit information, electronic applications, and more details, visit Marine Permits and Licenses. You can reach the Marine Permit Office by emailing MPO@dec.ny.gov.
• For assistance with Vessel Trip Reports (VTRs), information about online reporting, or to request extra VTRs, send an email to VTR@dec.ny.gov.