Changes to Commercial Fishing Limits

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 04/09/2021 09:00 AM EDT
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
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These Changes Only Apply to Commercial Fishing

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.

Changes to Commercial Fishing Limits

Summer Flounder Weekly Harvest Program Closure, NYS Cooperative Multi-State Possession and Landing Pilot Program Closure & Trip Limit Changes

For holders of a summer flounder permit only.

  • Effective Sunday, April 11, 2021 the Summer Flounder Weekly Program and New York State’s participation in the Mutli-State Program, is closed.
  • Effective Sunday, April 11, 2021 the daily trip limit is set at 70 pounds. This daily trip limit will remain in effect until further notice.
  • Visit Summer Flounder Quota Distribution Plan & Landing Summary for more information.

Horseshoe Crab Trip Limit Changes

For holders of a horseshoe crab permit only.

  • Effective Friday, April 16, 2021, the horseshoe crab daily trip limit is increased to 150 crabs. This trip limit will remain in effect until further notice.
  • Horseshoe crab fishery is closed from May 24 through May 28 and from June 8 through June 12. 
  • Harvest reports are required on a weekly basis from May 1 through July 31.
  • Visit Horseshoe Crab Quota Distribution Plan & Landing Summary for more information.

Black Sea Bass Trip Limit Changes

Bluefish Trip Limit Changes

Scup Trip Limit Changes

  • Effective Saturday, May 1, 2021, the daily trip limit is set at 900 pounds.
  • Effective Saturday, May 1, 2021, weekly limit is set at 4,000 lbs.
  • Visit Scup Quota Distribution Plan & Landing Summary for more information on the weekly limit program.

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