Changes to Commercial Fishing Limits & Proposed Whelk Regulations

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 05/20/2021 12:24 PM EDT
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
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Changes to Commercial Fishing Limits

Bluefish Daily Trip Limit Change

  • Effective Sunday, May 23, 2021, in New York State, the daily trip limit for bluefish is set at 100 pounds.
  • This trip limit will remain in effect until further notice and supersedes any previous scheduled trip limit changes.  

Horseshoe Crab Closures

Two closures surrounding the full and new moon phases will affect the horseshoe crab fishery. The horseshoe crab fishery will be closed:

  • Monday, May 24, 2021, through Friday, May 28, 2021
  • Tuesday, June 8, 2021, through Saturday, June 12, 2021 

No harvesting of horseshoe crab is permitted during these dates. The trip limit of 150 crab per day will be in effect at all other times until further notice.

All horseshoe crab harvest must be reported on the vessel trip report (VTR). Weekly submission of horseshoe crab VTRs is required from April through July. If you need extra VTRs, or would like information on online reporting, email VTR@dec.ny.gov or call 631-444-0857.

This action is taken under the authority of 6 NYCRR 40.1 (u) and 44.3 (b) (2), and the quota distribution schedule referenced therein.

Proposed Changes to Whelk Harvesting Regulation

DEC announced proposed changes to whelk harvesting regulations in New York's Marine and Coastal District to adopt a minimum size limit for whelk to protect immature females in the population and increase their potential to reach reproductive maturity. 

Proposed regulation changes include:

  • Implementing a minimum size limit of 5½ inches in length or three inches in width for the harvest of channel and knobbed whelk
  • Use of bait bags in whelk traps
  • Adopt gear and reporting regulations consistent with current rules for crab and lobster fisheries

The proposed regulations and additional information are available on DEC's website. The proposal is available for public comment through June 21, 2021.

Written comments on the proposed regulations can be sent to:

Kim McKown
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
205 Belle Mead Road, Suite 1
East Setauket, NY 11733
Email: fw.marine@dec.ny.gov