Saltwater Fishing & Boating Newsletter

New Circle Hook Regulations for 2021 Striped Bass Fishing Season

DEC continues to work collaboratively with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) to require the use of circle hooks when fishing for striped bass with bait. This new requirement is intended to increase the survival rate of striped bass in the recreational fishery. The new circle hook regulations will be in place this spring. DEC encourages anglers to check the Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations for the most up-to-date information before going fishing.

• Circle hooks will be required when fishing for striped bass using part or whole of any marine/aquatic organisms or terrestrial invertebrates as bait.
• Circle hooks will not be required when fishing with an artificial lure, whether or not they are tipped with bait as previously described.

DEC recommends that anglers use circle hooks when fishing for striped bass with bait in the 2021 fishing season. Visit DEC's Best Practices for Saltwater Fishing webpage for more information on circle hooks and fish handling tips.

• In the tidal Hudson River north of the George Washington Bridge, the recreational slot limit for striped bass is 18 to 28 inches, and the season is open April 1 through November 30.
• In marine waters south of the George Washington Bridge, the recreational slot limit is 28 to 35 inches, and the season is open April 15 through December 15.
• The recreational striped bass possession limit for all New York State waters is one fish per angler. 

DEC encourages anglers who fish for striped bass to participate in DEC's Striped Bass Cooperative Angler Program and help take part in an effort to manage and maintain a healthy striped bass population.

Before fishing in New York's Marine and Coastal District, or when fishing in the Hudson River and its tributaries for "migratory fish of the sea," including striped bass, be sure to enroll in the annual no-fee Recreational Marine Fishing Registry. To enroll, go to DEC's website.

Long Island Sound Futures Fund 2021 Request for Proposals

The Long Island Sound Futures Fund (LISFF) is seeking proposals to protect and restore the health of the Long Island Sound and associated habitats. Approximately $5 million is available for grants in the categories of implementation, design/planning, community science/water quality monitoring, and education & public participation. Proposals are due by May 27, 2021.

Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local government, municipal government, Indian tribes, and educational institutions.

Proposals should address the strategies and implementation actions in the four themes of the 2020-2024 Long Island Sound Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP). Those themes are:

• Clean Waters and Healthy Watersheds
• Thriving Habitats and Abundant Wildlife
• Sustainable and Resilient Communities
• Sound Science and Inclusive Management

Projects must be within the Long Island Sound watershed boundary.

For more information on the RFP, including project metrics, proposal evaluation, match requirements, and project period, visit the LISFF 2021 RFP webpage. A webinar, FAQ, and staff contacts are also available on the webpage to help navigate the RFP.

The LISFF program is managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Long Island Sound Study (LISS), and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Recreational Crabbing in New York's Waters

New York State has hundreds of miles of shoreline that provide abundant crabbing opportunities in the Marine and Coastal District, including the Hudson River and its tributaries. Crabbing is an inexpensive family fun activity that all ages can participate in.

• No permit or license is required to recreationally crab in New York.
• Visit DEC's Saltwater Fishing Regulations for information about size and possession limits before you go crabbing.
• Take or possession of egg-bearing crabs is prohibited.
• Review the NYS Department of Health's New York State Blue Crab Cooking & Eating Guide before you cook and eat your crabs.

DEC is asking for the assistance of recreational crabbers to report their crab harvest using DEC's Recreational Blue Crab Survey and report any tagged crabs you may encounter to DEC's Blue Crab Tagging Program.

The information you provide will help us better manage the New York blue crab fishery. For more information, visit Crabbing in New York.

Upcoming Meetings

BOEM New York Bight Task Force Meeting
Wednesday, April 14 & Friday, April 16, 8:45 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

• U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will update stakeholders on BOEM’s renewable energy planning activities and are seeking public input on a draft Proposed Sale Notice for areas in the New York Bight.
• Register for the meeting online and visit BOEM's website for additional details.

Marine Resources Advisory Council Meeting
Tuesday, April 20, 2021, 2:00 p.m.

• The Marine Resources Advisory Council (MRAC) advises DEC on marine resources issues, such as commercial and recreational fishing, proposed regulations, and the protection and utilization of New York's valuable marine resources.
• Register online for the virtual meeting, and visit DEC's website for more information. 

New York Sea Grant Seafood Processing and Marketing Resources Webinar
Thursday, April 29, 2021, 3:00 p.m.

• New York Sea Grant and partners are hosting an introductory webinar launching the release of a new set of regulatory guides and topical resources that have been developed to help seafood producers navigate the regulatory framework of seafood processing and sale in New York.
• Register online for the webinar and visit NY Sea Grant's website for more details.

ASMFC Spring Meeting Webinar
Monday, May 3, 2021 - Thursday, May 6, 2021

• Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) is hosting the annual 4-day Spring Meeting.
• A preliminary agenda and instructions for submitting public comments and joining the webinar can be found on ASMFC's website.