Saltwater Fishing & Boating Newsletter

In This Issue:

• New Recreational Regulations for Striped Bass Fishing in Marine Waters
• DEC Proposes New Fishing Regulations to Protect Sharks
• Release of the State of the Ocean 2023 
• World Refill Day Celebrated on June 16
• Attend an Environmental Bond Act Listening Session
• Public Comment Periods
• Environmental Conservation Police on Patrol
• Upcoming Fishery Meetings 

New Recreational Regulations for Striped Bass Fishing

DEC announced the adoption of new regulations in the State’s marine waters for recreational Atlantic striped bass fishing. The new recreational slot limit of 28-to-31 inches took effect immediately on June 20, 2023, and is set as required by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) to reduce recreational harvest. The recreational slot limit in the Hudson River north of the George Washington Bridge remains 18-to-28 inches.

The ASMFC Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board approved an emergency action to implement a 31-inch maximum size limit (PDF) for the striped bass recreational fishery for 2023. This action was taken in response to the large increase in recreational harvest of striped bass in 2022, and repeated years of poor reproductive success. The new slot limit is intended to protect a large proportion of the remaining adults to allow them to contribute to future spawning and stock rebuilding. 

The complete text of the rulemaking is available on DEC's website. DEC is accepting comments on the regulations starting on July 6 through Sept. 5, 2023. 

Circle hooks are required when fishing for striped bass with natural bait. In addition to using circle hooks to reduce hooking mortality, anglers are encouraged to follow these tips to help improve fish survivability:

• Consider Environmental Conditions - Fighting a fish in warmer water can cause greater stress. Avoid long fight times and playing the fish to exhaustion.
• Avoid Treble Hooks and Barbs - Crush or file off barbs on hooks to reduce de-hooking time and damage to the fish.
• Keep Fish in the Water - If you must handle a fish, make sure your hands are wet, hold it horizontally and firmly, and support its weight under the belly.
• Release with Care – Position the fish headfirst into the current and gently move it side-to-side so that water flows through the mouth and over the gills. Do not let the fish go until it is able to swim strongly out of your grasp.
• For more fish handling tips and best practices for saltwater fishing, visit DEC’s website.

For current regulations, check DEC's Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations. Anglers must enroll in the annual no-fee Recreational Marine Fishing Registry before fishing New York's Marine and Coastal District waters or when fishing in the Hudson River and its tributaries for "migratory fish of the sea." Anglers can enroll for the registry online, by phone (1-866-933-2257, option 2), or by visiting a license-issuing agent location.

DEC Proposes New Fishing Regulations to Protect Sharks

DEC proposed changes to recreational fishing regulations to improve the management and protection of sharks by establishing gear restrictions for recreational shore anglers to enhance law enforcement's ability to protect sharks and includes new handling and release methods for anglers to improve shark and angler safety. This proposed regulation seeks to further protect shark species that are currently illegal to take or possess under New York State regulation, referred to as "prohibited" shark species for recreational fishing. A complete list of the existing recreational shark fishing regulations is available on DEC's website.

Proposed gear restrictions specific to recreational shore anglers include the prohibition of:

• baited J-hooks exceeding a width of 7/8 inches and baited circle hooks exceeding 1 1/8 inches in width when measured at the widest inside dimension;
• the use of metal fishing leaders attached to baited hooks that exceed 12 inches in length;
• chumming within 600 feet of the shoreline except with mollusks and crustaceans;
• deploying baited hooks by means other than casting with rod and reel; and
• the use of artificial lures when taking sharks.

In addition, this rulemaking seeks to improve shark handling and release practices for all shore- and vessel-based anglers. The proposed rules clarify the requirement to immediately release all prohibited shark species and prohibits the removal from the water of any shark that will be released. The rulemaking also requires recreational anglers fishing for sharks to possess a device capable of cutting the leader or hook to remove fishing gear immediately without unnecessary harm, as well as requiring anglers to take every precaution to ensure the maximum probability of survival of any shark that will be released.

The proposed regulation (PDF) is available for public comment until Aug. 7, 2023. DEC will hold a virtual public hearing to accept public comment on Tuesday, Aug. 1, at 6 p.m. Information on how to submit written comments or participate in the hearing can be found on DEC's website.

Release of the State of the Ocean 2023 

On June 8, 2023, World Ocean Day, DEC released the State of the Ocean 2023 (PDF) which provides an overview of actions taken to advance the New York Ocean Action Plan (OAP). The OAP is a coordinated and inclusive effort focused on improving the health of our ocean ecosystems and their capacity to provide sustainable benefits to New Yorkers. DEC strives to achieve these goals to promote healthier ocean ecosystems that will benefit people, communities, and the natural world. Through 61 pointed actions to reach long-term goals, the OAP helps guide State funding, research, management, outreach, and education efforts.

The State of the Ocean 2023 (PDF) summarizes activities that advance the OAP’s four interconnected goals: ensuring ecological integrity; promoting sustainable growth; adapting to change; and empowering public stewardship. The next phase of OAP implementation will focus on undertaking long-term actions, continuing to investigate the effects of climate change to ensure effective management, and empowering communities to take proactive approaches toward enhancing resiliency. 

World Refill Day Celebrated on June 16 

Do you want to make a positive impact on the environment? World Refill Day is celebrated on June 16th to create awareness about less waste by promoting reuse and refill practices.  Participating in reuse and refill is simple but the impact is lasting and far-reaching. Choosing to reduce, reuse, and refill means choosing to give back to our communities and our environment with less waste, less litter, and limiting single-use items. 

Celebrate World Refill Day every day by: 

• Educating and inspiring friends, family, neighbors, or colleagues by showing them easy steps they can take to refill more and throw away less. 
• Support businesses in your area that reuse and refill. Consider sharing resources with businesses that may be interested in supporting reuse and refill options at their establishment. 
• Looking for new ways to reduce waste. Spark new ideas by checking out a directory of businesses that offer different types of reuse and refill options. Some may offer options near you! 
• Getting ready for Plastic Free July. World Refill Day is the perfect time to start making a plan! 
• Email us at organicrecycling@dec.ny.gov to show us how you choose to reuse! 

Attend an Environmental Bond Act Listening Session

Overwhelmingly approved by voters last fall, the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act prioritizes investments in environmental justice, climate change mitigation, shoreline restoration, flood resilience, water quality, open space conservation, recreational resources, and green jobs. This spring and summer, the public and potential funding applicants will be able to learn more about the Bond Act at a series of educational listening sessions. Sessions have been announced across the state - use the links below to register:

• Virtual Meeting: June 26, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Saranac Lake: July 14, 1 to 3 p.m., North Country Community College, Sparks Athletic Complex Alumni Gymnasium
• Capital Region: July 20, 1 to 3 p.m. University at Albany, Campus Center Auditorium
• Virtual Meeting: July 26, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Brooklyn: August 9, 6 to 8 p.m., Brooklyn College
• Lower Hudson: August 15, 1 to 3 p.m., Westchester County Center, Little Theater
• Bronx: August 22, 6 to 8 p.m., La Central YMCA Gymnasium
• Brentwood: August 24, 1 to 3 p.m., Suffolk County Community College

Sessions will feature a presentation on the Bond Act and an opportunity for one-on-one discussion with State experts. Meetings will be open to the public.

State agencies, local governments, and partners will be able to access Environmental Bond Act funding over a multi-year process. Recognizing that vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by negative environmental and climate change impacts, at least 35%, with a goal of 40%, of Bond Act benefits will be directed toward disadvantaged communities.

Public Comment Periods

6 NYCRR Part 40 - Marine Fish (Black Sea Bass & Scup)

This rulemaking implements changes to recreational scup and black sea bass (PDF) harvest. ASMFC and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) require recreational harvest reductions for Scup and Black Sea Bass.

Comment period is open through July 17, 2023.

Written comments can be submitted to: Rachel Sysak, DEC Division of Marine Resources, 123 Kings Park Blvd., Kings Park, NY 11754 or by email: rachel.sysak@dec.ny.gov

6 NYCRR Part 40 - Marine Fish (Sharks)

The proposed rulemaking amends gear restrictions for recreational shore anglers (PDF) to enhance law enforcement's ability to protect sharks. These amendments will establish maximum hook sizes and maximum metal leader lengths for shore anglers, limits the deployment of baited hooks to rod and reel only for shore anglers, and prohibits chumming near shore. The proposed rulemaking also adds new handling and release methods for all sharks to improve both shark and angler safety.

Comment period is open through August 7, 2023.

Written comments can be submitted to: Chris Scott, DEC Division of Marine Resources, 123 Kings Park Blvd., Kings Park, NY 11754 or by email: christopher.scott@dec.ny.gov 

6 NYCRR Part 10 - Sportfishing & Part 40 - Marine Fish (Striped Bass Size Limit)

This rulemaking is required to adopt a new recreational slot size for Atlantic Striped Bass in marine waters south of the George Washington Bridge and in the Delaware River and its West Branch bordering Pennsylvania, from 28 to 35 inches to 28 to 31 inches as required by emergency action taken by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board on May 2, 2023.

Comment period is open July 6 through September 5, 2023. 

Written comments can be sent by mail to: Caitlin Craig, New York State DEC, 123 Kings Park Blvd., Kings Park, NY 11754, or by email to fw.marine@dec.ny.gov

Environmental Conservation Police on Patrol

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) Division of Law Enforcement enforces the 71 chapters of New York State's Environmental Conservation Law (ECL), protecting fish and wildlife and preserving environmental quality across New York. In 2022, Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) and Investigators across the state responded to more than 25,600 calls and worked on cases that resulted in nearly 13,800 tickets or arrests for violations. For the latest ECOs on Patrol highlights, visit DEC's website.

Midnight at the Inlet - Suffolk County
On June 6, while on patrol in Hampton Bays, ECOs Vandenbos and Zullo received a complaint from an angler who reported seeing a large group of people at the east side of Shinnecock Inlet catching oversized striped bass and hiding the fish in their vehicles. Officers Vandenbos and Zullo contacted ECO Michalet for assistance before responding to the location to investigate. On-site, the ECOs observed anglers with headlamps fishing on the end of the jetty before returning to their vehicles. The Officers checked the anglers' catches and found three striped bass over the legal slot size limit of 28-35 inches. The ECOs issued several tickets for possession of oversized striped bass and failure to carry a New York State Recreational Marine Fishing Registry, returnable to Southampton Town Justice Court. Slot size limits are in place for striped bass to protect the spawning population stock of this coastwide cooperatively managed species.

DEC announced the adoption of new regulations in the State's marine waters for recreational Atlantic striped bass fishing on June 20, 2023. The new recreational slot limit is set at 28-31 inches as required by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to reduce recreational harvest. The new slot limit is intended to protect a large proportion of adult striped bass to allow these fish to contribute to future spawning and stock rebuilding. The recreational slot limit in the Hudson River north of the George Washington Bridge remains 18-28 inches.

ECOs Zullo and Vandenbos with oversized striped bass in Suffolk County

Upcoming Fishery Meetings

Marine Resources Advisory Council Meeting
Tuesday, July 18, 2023, 6:00 PM 
DEC Division of Marine Resources, 123 Kings Park Blvd., Kings Park, NY

A complete agenda for the meeting will be available on MRAC's website before the meeting.

Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Summer Meeting
Monday, July 31 - Thursday, August 3, 2023
The Westin Crystal City 1800 Richmond Highway, Arlington, VA 22202

Meeting details are available on ASMFC's website.