Saltwater Fishing Newsletter

CARES Act Marine Fisheries Relief: Applications Due Dec. 31

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced $6.7 million in federal funding is available from the program established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security, or CARES Act, to assist New York's marine fishing industry following extensive economic losses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.​ DEC is accepting applications for Marine Fisheries Relief Program through December 31, 2020. 

Funding is available to residents with a valid marine permit or license issued in 2020 and the previous five years. Applicants must demonstrate a greater than 35 percent revenue loss from fishery-related revenue caused by COVID-19. More details about eligibility can be found in New York’s Marine Fisheries Relief Spend Plan (PDF).

Apply for Marine Fisheries Relief Funding

1. Review all eligibility criteria in the New York Fishery Relief Spend Plan (PDF)
2. Download and complete the CARES Act Marine Fisheries Relief Application (PDF)
3. Submit completed and signed application to fisherydisaster@dec.ny.gov

For more information, see the CARES Act NY Marine Fisheries Relief FAQ (PDF) and Electronic Application Help Guide (PDF) on DEC's website. After the application period ends, DEC will consider appeals from applicants deemed ineligible as part of a thorough and inclusive appeals process, while maintaining compliance with the federal program.

Artificial Reef Program Public Comment Period

DEC released the Notice of Complete Application (PDF) for the expansion of seven of the State’s 12 existing artificial reef sites and create four new sites for public review and comment. The proposed reef expansion and new artificial reef sites will provide additional marine habitat in New York’s waters to support recreational and commercial fisheries and bolster industries such as tourism and diving, that rely on healthy marine ecosystems.

In Governor Cuomo’s 2020 State of the State address, he committed to doubling New York's existing reef acreage by expanding seven of the State’s 12 existing sites and creating four new artificial reefs in Long Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean by 2022. Currently, New York’s existing artificial reefs cover approximately 3,389 acres. This proposal would expand New York’s reefs by an additional 3,423 acres for a total of 6,812 acres.

Public comments on the proposal should be provided in writing to Sherri Aicher, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, SUNY @ Stony Brook, 50 Circle Road, Stony Brook, NY 11790-3409, 631-444-0403 by January 15, 2021.

Changes to Commercial Fishing Limits

Bluefish Trip Limit Increase

• Effective Thursday, December 17, 2020, the commercial daily trip limit for bluefish is set at 1,000 lbs. These changes remain in effect until further notice.

Summer Flounder Permit Holders

• Effective Thursday, December 17, 2020, the commercial daily trip limit for summer flounder is set at 700 lbs. These changes remain in effect until January 1, 2021.

Striped Bass Permit Holders

• Effective Wednesday, December 16, 2020, the commercial striped bass season is closed. 
• Any unused commercial striped bass tags should be returned by mail to DEC by December 20, 2020.
• Permit holders must submit the last vessel trip report five days after the close of the commercial striped bass season or within five days after all striped bass tags are used.

2021 Commercial Quota Limits

DEC has drafted 2021 Proposed Quota Distribution Plans (PDF) for the quota managed species below. Please review the details of the plans and complete a stakeholder survey to provide feedback. The survey will be accessible through January 12, 2021. For additional questions and comments about the plans, contact commercial.fisheries@dec.ny.gov.

Effective Friday, January 1, 2021, in New York State the commercial fishing limits are set at:

• Black Sea Bass – The daily trip limit is set at 150 lbs.
• Scup – The possession limit is 50,000 lbs. per trip pursuant to NOAA regulations.
• Bluefish – The daily trip limit is set at 1,000 lbs.
• Spiny dogfish – The daily trip limit remains at 6,000 lbs.
• Horseshoe Crab – For holders of a horseshoe crab permit; the daily trip limit is set at 30 crabs.
• Summer Flounder – For holders of a summer flounder permit; the daily trip limit is set at 210 lbs.
• Menhaden – Daily trip limit is set at 10,000 lbs. and the weekly limit is 30,000 lbs.

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.

 #AdventureAtHome: Winter Seal Watching

‘Tis the season for seal watching! Seals are found in New York from late fall through late spring. Seals "haul out" - or leave the water to rest on sandy beaches or rocks - to regulate their body temperature, socialize, or give birth. Hauling out in groups also helps seals avoid predators. Up to five species can be seen locally, but harbor, gray, and harp seals are the most common types of seals that you may ‘sea’.

Share the shore with seals and other marine wildlife! Always keep a safe distance of 150 feet, or three school bus lengths of distance between you and the seals. Seals are sensitive and can be easily disturbed while resting on land. Help protect them and yourselves by giving space when wildlife watching.

See previous weeks of #AdventureAtHome content by visiting our website.

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. 

Reminder to Renew 2020 Commercial Fishing Permits & Licenses 

If you hold a commercial Lobster Permit (Resident, Non-Resident), Food Fish License (Resident), Crab Permit (Resident, Non-Resident), or Whelk License (Resident, Non-Resident), and have NOT renewed your 2020 permit(s) yet, you must do so by Thursday, December 31, 2020. If your 2020 application for these permits is not received and processed by December 31, 2019, you will lose the ability to have one issued to you in the future.