These Changes Only Apply to Commercial Fishing

Black Sea Bass Weekly Harvest Program Closure

• Effective Saturday, March 27, 2021, in New York State, the commercial black sea bass weekly program is closed.
• This closure will remain in effect until further notice.

Black Sea Bass Daily Trip Limit Reduction

• Effective Saturday, March 27, 2021, in New York State, the commercial black sea bass daily trip limit is set at 70 pounds.
• Only one permit holder per vessel may land the trip limit in a calendar day.
• This trip limit will remain in effect until further notice.

Summer Flounder Trip Limit Change

• NYSDEC Summer Flounder Permit required. 
• Effective Saturday, March 27, 2021, in New York State, the weekly trip limit for summer flounder is set at 1,000 pounds.
• The daily trip limit for summer flounder is set at 140 pounds.
• These trip limits 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. 

Commercial Striped Bass Permit Holder Deadline April 15

Striped bass permit holders must renew their Food Fish license and Striped Bass permit by April 15, 2021. Permit holders whose applications are not received by that deadline will not receive their Striped Bass permit or any tags for 2021. This would not affect their ability to receive a Striped Bass permit in 2022.

If you need another copy of your renewal application or have any questions concerning marine permits, please contact the Marine Permit Office at 631-444-0470 or MPO@dec.ny.gov.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Marine Permit Office is closed to walk-in customers. Please renew your permit by sending your application, required documentation, and payment by mail. Please note there are currently delays in mail service. Plan accordingly to ensure the successful renewal of your 2021 striped bass permits.

SAFIS eTrips is Getting a New Look!

There is a new version of the SAFIS eTrips Application available to anglers who report electronically. The form for entering trip information will look different, but most of the fields are still the same. Favorites will also be carried over into the new version without needing to be re-entered.

Any trips that were taken on or after January 1, 2021, should be entered into the new eTrips. Trips from 2020 that are not yet submitted should be entered using the old version.

If you have any questions about the new eTrips Application, please call the Data Management Unit at 631-444-0857 or email VTR@dec.ny.gov. 

Upcoming Fishery Meetings

MAFMC and ASMFC to Hold Public Hearings for Bluefish Allocation and Rebuilding Amendment
Tuesday, March 30, 2021, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

• Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) are seeking public comment on management options under consideration in the Bluefish Allocation and Rebuilding Amendment.
• Comments may be provided at the virtual public hearing or via written comment until April 23, 2021.
• To register for the virtual public hearing or for information on how to submit comments, visit MAFMC's website.

MAFMC Virtual Summer Flounder Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE) Workshops Wednesday, March 31, 2021; 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

• The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) virtual public workshop to solicit input on future management of the recreational summer flounder fishery.
• Workshops are part of MAFMC development of a management strategy evaluation (MSE) which will evaluate different management strategies designed to minimize discards in the recreational summer flounder fishery.
• Register for the meeting online. For more information on submitting public input and additional meeting dates, see MAFMC's website. 

MAFMC April Council Meeting
Tuesday, April 6 - Thursday, April 8

• View the full agenda (PDF) for the meeting.
• Registration information for the virtual meeting will be available on MAFMC's website.
• Please note: AFMC/ASMFC Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass joint meeting will take place at MAFMC's meeting on April 6, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.