Changes to Commercial Fishing Limits

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 10/29/2020 04:00 PM EDT
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
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These Changes Only Apply to Commercial Fishing

Summer Flounder Trip Limit Decrease

A New York State summer flounder permit is required.
  • Effective Sunday, November 1, 2020, in New York State, the daily trip limit for summer flounder is set at 70 pounds.
  • This trip limit will remain in effect until further notice.

Black Sea Bass Trip Limit Increase

  • Effective Sunday, November 1, 2020, in New York State, the commercial black sea bass daily trip limit is set at 240 pounds.
  • Two Food Fishing License holders are permitted per vessel to each possess and land the black sea bass trip limit on any one calendar day.
  • These actions will remain in effect until further notice.

Bluefish Trip Limit Increase

  • Effective Thursday, October 1, 2020, in New York State, the daily trip limit for bluefish is set at 280 pounds.
  • This trip limit will remain in effect until further notice.

This action is taken under the authority of 6 NYCRR 40.1 (u), and the quota distribution schedule referenced therein.

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

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 describing these changes have been sent to all affected license holders.

Marine Permit Office - Renew or Apply By Mail Only

DEC's Marine Permit Office is closed to walk-in customers until further notice. Please send all applications by mail and contact the Marine Permit Office with questions or concerns by calling 631-444-0470 or email MPO@dec.ny.gov.

Federal Reporting Requirements for Tilefishing

NOAA Fisheries requires private recreational tilefish vessels, fishing north of the North Carolina/Virginia border, to have a federal recreational tilefish vessel permit and file catch reports. This action is being taken to better understand and monitor the recreational fisheries for both blueline tilefish and golden tilefish.

Apply for your federal private recreational tilefish vessel permit through Fish Online. 

Private recreational tilefish anglers must also fill out and submit an electronic vessel trip report within 24 hours of returning to port for trips where tilefish were targeted and/or retained. Reports can be submitted through any NOAA Fisheries approved electronic reporting system. 

Know Before You Go Tilefishing

USDA Seafood Trade Relief Program 

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering assistance to U.S. fishermen and women who have been impacted by retaliatory tariffs from foreign governments through the Seafood Trade Relief Program (STRP). STRP applications will be accepted from September 14, 2020, through December 14, 2020. 

The STRP provides support to commercial fishermen and women who have a valid federal or state license or permit to catch seafood who bring their catch to shore and sell or transfer them to another party. Products grown in a controlled environment are not eligible for the program except for geoducks and salmon.  

How to Apply 

The STRP application can be found on farmers.gov/seafood. Contact your local USDA Service Center for more information and to apply for the program or call the USDA Call Center at 877-508-8364.