Saltwater Fishing & Boating Newsletter

In This Issue: 

• Marine Fisheries Relief Program Application Deadline: Jan. 14, 2022
• 2022 Commercial Quota Distribution Meeting
• Report Cold-Stunned Sea Turtle Sightings on New York Beaches
• Renew 2021 Commercial Fishing Permits with DEC Marine Permit Office

Marine Fisheries Relief Program Application Deadline: Jan. 14, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul announced $5.7 million in federal funding is available from the Marine Fisheries Relief Program, established by the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA), to assist New York's marine fishing industry following extensive economic losses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible seafood, commercial marine fishing, marine aquaculture, and marine recreational for-hire fishing businesses are eligible to apply for the funding.

DEC is accepting applications for Marine Fisheries Relief Program through January 14, 2022. After the application period is closed, DEC will provide an opportunity for those applicants whose applications were denied to appeal. 

How to Apply for Marine Fisheries Relief Program Funding:

• Review all eligibility criteria in the Marine Fishery Relief Program Spend Plan (PDF)
• Review the Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) for detailed instructions on completing the application and submitting it electronically.
• Download or print and complete the CAA Marine Fisheries Relief Application (PDF)
• Submit completed and signed application to fisherydisaster@dec.ny.gov or by mail to DEC Division of Marine Resources, 123 Kings Park Blvd., Kings Park, NY, 11754. 

For more information, visit DEC's Marine Fisheries Relief Program webpage. 

2022 Commercial Quota Distribution Meeting

DEC with be holding the 2022 Commercial Quota Distribution Meeting virtually from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Wednesday, December 15, 2021.

Stakeholders are encouraged to attend the virtual meeting and provide input on proposed 2022 commercial quota distribution plans. Species to be discussed are menhaden, horseshoe crab, summer flounder, summer scup, black sea bass and bluefish.

For meeting information, visit DEC's Commercial Harvest Limit webpage. 

Report Cold-Stunned Sea Turtle Sightings on New York Beaches

There are four species of sea turtles that can be found in New York's coastal waters: green, Kemp's ridley, leatherback and loggerhead sea turtles. They remain local in our area during the warmer months from approximately May through November, and will typically begin their migration south to warmer nesting waters by mid-November.

Warmer water temperatures can cause sea turtles to remain in the area longer than usual. When a sudden drop in water temperature occurs before sea turtles migrate out of the area, they can fall victim to cold-stunning, a hypothermic condition that results in a lethargic state. Sea turtles that experience cold-stunning will wash ashore on New York beaches and require immediate professional care. 

DEC works closely with New York Marine Rescue Center (NYMRC) and Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (AMSEAS) to support response efforts. If you see a sea turtle wash ashore, please call the New York State Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Hotline at (631) 369-9829 and relay as much information as possible for the rescue team to locate the animal. If possible, write down the coordinates and/or mark the turtle's location with something, such as a stick or driftwood, that will be easy for the team to find.

Do not touch the animal, put the animal back in the water, or remove the animal from the beach. Sea turtles are federally protected animals and are only to be handled by authorized personnel. Any further sudden changes in temperature or additional stress can lead to death.

Reminder: Renew 2021 Commercial Fishing Permits

All commercial fishing and resident recreational lobster permits issued by DEC's Marine Permit Office will expire on December 31, 2021. Please renew all 2021 limited entry permits prior to their expiration. DEC encourages permit holders to renew or apply by mail and send applications to:

NYSDEC Marine Permit Office
123 Kings Park Blvd.
Kings Park, NY 11754 

For more information, contact the Marine Permit Office at 631-444-0470 or MPO@dec.ny.gov.