Saltwater Fishing & Boating Newsletter

In This Issue:

• New & Improved Fishing and Hunting License System
• Striped Bass Cooperative Angler Program
• Shark Salvage Program & Shark Spotter Survey
• Watch out for Whales While Boating
• Marine Permit Office Update

New & Improved Fishing and Hunting License System

DEC has launched a new system for the sale of fishing, hunting, and trapping licenses on the updated DEC Automated Licensing System (DECALS). Before going fishing in New York's marine waters, make sure to enroll in the no-fee Recreational Marine Fishing Registry. Anglers can register through DECALS online or by calling 1-866-933-2257. 

Also, be sure to check New York's Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations before you head out for your next fishing trip. New Yorkers are encouraged to #PlaySmartPlaySafePlayLocal, practice physical distancing, show respect, and use common sense to reduce the spread of infectious diseases.

Wanted: Striped Bass Cooperative Anglers

Did you know striped bass (Morone saxatilis) are the official saltwater fish of New York? If you fish for striped bass and want to help conserve this popular and admired species, becoming a Striped Bass Cooperative Angler may be for you! DEC provides volunteer anglers with logbooks to record fishing trip information, envelopes to take scale samples from striped bass, and instructions on how to properly collect required data. 

When catch and release fishing, it’s important to practice safe and ethical fish handling to help release your fish unharmed. 

Follow the tips below to help ensure your fish’s survival: 

• Consider environmental conditions. Fighting a fish in warmer water can cause greater stress, and the fish will exhaust itself more quickly. Anglers should use tackle appropriate to the size of the fish you are targeting to avoid long fight times. 
• Avoid treble hooks, barbs, and gaffs. Crush or file off barbs on hooks to reduce de-hooking time and damage to the fish. Do not gaff a fish unless it is legal size and you intend to keep it. Circle hooks are encouraged when fishing with bait. 
• Be prepared. Have all the necessary tools on hand before landing a fish to help reduce the time it’s out of the water during the de-hooking process. If a fish becomes gut-hooked, cut the leader as closely as possible to the hook and leave the hook in place; it will rust out after a short time. 
• Minimize the fish’s exposure to air. Keep fish in the water at all times or as much as possible. If you must handle a fish, make sure your hands are wet, hold it horizontally and firmly, and support its weight under the belly. Never hold a fish by its eyes or gills. If using a landing net, use a “knotless” net to reduce removing slime and scales from the fish.
• Proper release. While in control of the fish, orient it headfirst into the current, then gently move the fish in a side-to-side pattern so that water flows through the mouth and over the gills. Do not let the fish go until it is able to swim strongly out of your grasp.   

DEC recommends using non-offset circle hooks when fishing with bait for striped bass. Circle hooks are designed to hook the corner of a fish's mouth, which will make it easier to release the fish, reduce deep hooking casualties, and increase survival rates of released fish. Circle hooks will be mandatory when fishing for striped bass with bait starting in 2021.

Photo credits: Top image, Finalist of DEC's #WomenHuntFishNY Photo Contest. Bottom image, Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Report Shark Sightings on DEC Shark Spotter Digital Survey

You can find multiple shark species in New York’s marine waters, and some of the most well-known are makos, threshers, and blue sharks. Our shores also serve as important foraging and nursery grounds for white, sandbar (brown), sand tiger, and dusky sharks, which are all protected species due to their vulnerable life histories and depleted populations.

Sharks are typically found in the deep waters offshore, but they can also be found chasing baitfish in the surf and coastal bays. 

While you #RecreateLocal and enjoy the coastal environment, please report any sightings of live or dead sharks to DEC's Shark Spotter Digital Survey. Information provided to DEC helps researchers better understand New York's shark populations. You can also #AdventureAtHome with us by checking out the Shark Spotter Public Viewer to learn more about New York sharks. 

Before going fishing, make sure to visit our Recreational Shark Fishing webpage for information about permit requirements and regulations. Learn more about shark fishing and proper handling techniques by watching NOAA’s Shark Endorsement Education video.   

Watch Out for Whales While Boating

During the summer, there’s an increase in marine life off of New York’s coasts, including large whales and dolphins. Humpback whales are one of the most common whale species found in New York’s waters. They can be found close to shore due to their diet of nearshore small fish and crustaceans, mainly menhaden (bunker) and krill. They are also commonly seen close to the surface, and display breaching (jumping out of the water - see image below) and slapping their tail and fins, which scientists believe is a form of communication.  

Whales are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and boaters must stay at least 500 yards (1,500 feet) away from North Atlantic right whales and at least 100 yards from all other whales.

If a whale approaches you, please remember to idle your engine and not to re-engage power until the whale has cleared your path. Attempting to leave the area may interrupt natural behaviors such as feeding, nursing, resting, and traveling, or could result in a vessel strike causing harm to the whale and/or boat. For more information view NOAA’s marine viewing guidelines. 

Report any sightings of marine mammals or sea turtles to DEC by using our Flipper Files digital survey. If you suspect a marine mammal or sea turtle is sick or injured, please call the New York Stranding Hotline at 631-369-9829 to report the animal. 

Marine Permit Office Update

DEC’s Marine Permit Office continues to operate with reduced staffing levels. We encourage customers to submit applications by mail, send us an email with questions, or call to make an appointment for curbside service. 

• For permit information and electronic applications, visit Marine Permits and Licenses. Contact the Marine Permit Office at MPO@dec.ny.gov or by calling (631) 444-0470.
• For assistance with Vessel Trip Reports (VTRs), information about online reporting, or to request extra VTRs, send an email to VTR@dec.ny.gov.