In this issue:
From deep, offshore ocean waters to surfcasting on sandy beaches, New York's marine waters offer exciting world-class saltwater fishing opportunities. The DEC Marine Recreational Angler Records Program recognizes exceptional saltwater fish and blue crab caught in New York, including long-standing state records for the heaviest fish and annual awards for the longest fish of a qualifying species.
Think you caught record-breaking crab or fish? Review the rules of entry, current records, and qualifying lengths: New York Marine Recreational Angler Records Rules (PDF).
Be sure to check DEC's Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations for the current limits in effect. For helpful tips and best practices for handling saltwater fish, visit DEC’s website.
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.
To submit your catch information to DEC, fill out the online entry form below!
2023 Longest Fluke Winner Ethan Roda
DEC recognizes recreational crabber Marc Zaluski of Water Mill, NY for capturing the state record blue crab. The crab was captured in a crab pot set in Peconic Bay on May 25, 2024. This blue crab measured 8 3/16 inches, spine-to-spine.
This record replaces the previous blue crab record which was captured in 2023 and measured 7 3/16 inches. All state record applications and measurements are verified by biologists at DEC’s Division of Marine Resources.
State Record Holder for Blue Crab Size Verification Photo Submitted by Marc Zaluski
For information about crabbing in New York, visit DEC's website.
On June 26, 2024, DEC implemented new regulations that define the Jonah Crab directed trap fishery, establish bycatch limits to control Jonah Crab harvest, and bring New York into compliance with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Jonah Crab Fisheries Management Plan.
This rule amends 6 NYCRR Part 44 to:
- Limit participation in the directed trap fishery for Jonah Crab to:
- Current commercial lobster permit holders with trap tag allocations; or,
- Current crab permit holders who can prove prior participation in the Jonah crab fishery with landings on vessel trip reports before June 2, 2015.
- Establish bycatch limits for Jonah Crab: These bycatch limits require that there be fewer pounds of Jonah Crab onboard the fishing vessel than pounds of the target species and sets a 1,000-crab incidental bycatch limit for vessels that are not eligible to participate in the directed trap fishery for Jonah Crab.
This new regulation change puts New York in compliance with the interstate Jonah crab fisheries management plan .
For information about Jonah crab management measures, visit our website.
Scientific Illustration Courtesy of ASMFC
This rulemaking allows New York to close the commercial Cobia fishery by written notice to license holders should the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) determine that the coastwide commercial Cobia harvest quota has been reached.
Scientific Illustration Courtesy of NOAA
The proposed regulation changes to the 6 NYCRR Part 40 Marine Fish, Part 43 Surf Clam and Ocean Quahog Fishery Management, Part 44 Lobsters and Crabs, and Part 50 Miscellaneous Marine Species and to adopt a new Part 38 Fishery Data Management, are pending approval.
The proposed regulations will:
- Clarify, strengthen, and consolidate the regulations requiring the reporting of fishing and purchasing activities by fishermen and seafood dealers, and to consolidate the rules ensuring the confidentiality of fishery data collected from fishermen and seafood dealers.
- Require the use of electronic vessel tracking devices in the lobster and Jonah crab fisheries in certain federal waters, as required by the Atlantic State Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) in its most recent addendum to the lobster and Jonah crab fishery management plans (FMPs).
- Require Party and Charter Boat License holders to submit vessel trip reports online within 48 hours of the end of the fishing trip.
- Update in regulation the address of the Division of Marine Resources Headquarters and other references concerning the Division of Marine Resources.
Scientific Illustration Courtesy of ASMFC
On April 17, 2024, DEC implemented new regulations that apply to the recreational shark fishery. We remind all recreational marine anglers to review these regulations before going fishing.
New rules relating to the handling and release of sharks that apply to all vessel-based and shore-based anglers include:
- A shark that is not being harvested may not be removed from the water and must be released without undue harm.
- All prohibited shark species must be released immediately if captured. Examples of commonly encountered prohibited shark species found in New York State waters include Sandbar ("Brown"), Dusky, Sand Tiger, White (“Great White”), and Shortfin Mako sharks.
- Shark anglers must have wire or bolt cutters immediately available to aid in the removal of tackle and the release of sharks that are not being harvested.
To reduce the take of prohibited sharks from shore, DEC also implemented new rules which apply specifically to shore anglers:
- It is unlawful for any person to chum from shore. This restriction does not apply to the use of mollusks and crustaceans as chum (e.g., clams, mussels, squid, shrimp, crabs).
- It is unlawful for a shore angler to deploy baited hooks by any means other than casting with rod and reel.
- It is unlawful for a shore angler to use a baited hook attached to a metal fishing leader that exceeds 18 inches total length. This restriction does not apply to a metal fishing leader attached solely to an artificial lure.
For more information, visit the recreational shark fishing webpage.
Graphic Courtesy of NOAA
Summertime in the Mid-Atlantic offers the potential for exhilarating marine wildlife viewing experiences, especially as whales and other marine animals follow bait fish and may be close to shore. Whether on the beach or on the water, if you see protected animals like whales, dolphins, seals, sea turtles, or Atlantic sturgeon, follow the tips below to keep the animals and your passengers safe.
Give Space
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North Atlantic right whales: 1500 feet or 5 football field lengths (required by law)
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Other whales: 300 feet/100 yards (at least) - 600 feet (is preferred)
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Seals, dolphins and sea turtles: 150 feet
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Leaping sturgeon also require extra space to avoid injury to you and the fish
Don’t Chase!
- If a whale approaches within 100 feet of your vessel, put your engine in neutral. Do not re-engage your engine until the whale is observed on the surface, outside of the 100-foot or 1500-foot (if it’s a right whale) zone.
- Don’t follow or chase marine animals.
- Don’t cut through their path - you could separate moms and calves.
Graphic Courtesy of NOAA
NOAA Fisheries will be discontinuing the NOAA Fish Online iOS eVTR app on January 31, 2025, after which all Fish Online eVTRs will need to be submitted through the Fish Online Web app. This effort will streamline reporting through one Fish Online platform and allow NOAA Fisheries to devote additional resources to improve the user’s overall experience.
Here is what you need to know:
- As of January 31, 2025 vessel operators will no longer be able to submit eVTRs through the NOAA Fish Online iOS eVTR reporting app from the Apple Store.
- GARFO will start phasing out the app starting in October of 2024, meaning there will be no more updates to the iOS app.
- Vessel operators are encouraged to begin to switch to the Fish Online Web app or any other of the approved reporting apps. Go to the Electronic Vessel Trip Reporting Software Options webpage for more information.
- The Fish Online Web app works on all iOS devices.
Questions?
If you have any questions or need assistance with installing the Fish Online Web app please contact the Vessel Reporting Help Desk at (978) 281-9188 or reach out to your local Port Agent.
Do you or someone you know teach 7-12 grade science classes and are looking for dynamic education resources? DEC Division of Marine Resources with Nassau BOCES is conducting two ocean-themed professional development courses which focus on two of the largest issues facing our global ocean resources, ocean acidification and plastic pollution.
Classes will take place at the NYSDEC Division of Marine Resources Headquarters located in Nissequogue River State Park. Both courses integrate the new NYSSLS learning standards and count towards CTLE hours. All materials for the lessons will be provided free of charge to attendees – spaces are limited!
- Plastic Pollution and You Curriculum Training – Wednesday, July 31 , 11:00am – 4:00 pm. Ideal for social studies, civics, earth science, marine science, and oceanography 7 -12 grade teachers. Register to attend.
- Ocean Acidification in the Classroom – Thursday, August 1, 9:00am - 3:00pm. Ideal for earth science, marine science, biology, or oceanography 9 -12 grade teachers. Register to attend.
For more information about the course contact francis.mcparland@dec.ny.gov
Educators at the Spring Professional Development Course
Plastic Free July® is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to reducing single-use plastics – so we can conserve our natural resources, fight climate change, and have cleaner lands, waters and communities. The movement has inspired 100+ million participants in 190 countries to start making small changes that will last a lifetime. 87% of Plastic Free July participants make changes that become habits! It’s easy to join the movement of people around the world and get started.
How to take small steps that make a big difference during Plastic Free July and beyond:
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Take the Plastic Free July Challenge. Make a commitment to create positive change- identify whether you will cultivate change at home, work, school, or other areas of your community. When you sign up for the challenge you can receive motivating tips throughout July.
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Take the Pesky Plastics Quiz. Contribute to data collection across the world about the types of single-use plastics being used
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Review tips and ideas about where you can make changes.
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Get Inspired or inspire others to get involved with plastic waste solutions by creating your own event at work, school or out in the community.
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Find a PFJ event near you or post a new event that you are organizing in your community on the PFJ events map
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Share a story that will inspire and empower others
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Check out resources to learn more about PFJ and help promote PFJ in your community
- Go the extra mile.
- Think of ways to reduce all single-use items in your life by refusing or choosing reuse.
- Consumer Action: Are you frustrated by single-use packaging from brands you know and love? Many brands have made goals and commitments to be more sustainable and many want to hear from you about what you want. Connect with them on e-mail, social media, or via customer service to let them know you want to see less packaging or more sustainable alternatives.
- Be Mindful: Take a moment to think about your favorite outdoor places, plants or wildlife, your community, your neighbors, or a natural resource you are grateful for. Thinking about what makes these things special and important to you can help you think of ways to protect them and create a better future for everyone.
Planning to take the PFJ challenge? E-mail organicrecycling@dec.ny.gov and tell us how you plan to participate in Plastic Free July through stories, photos, and videos!
Break for Whales – Atlantic Ocean On May 29, ECO Pansini of the New York City Marine Enforcement Unit, along with ECOs Ableson and Milliron, conducted regulatory inspections of lobster gear in the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean. To prevent whales and other marine mammals from becoming entangled in lines, federal regulations require lobster traps joined to marking buoys to have specially designed breakaway segments that separate rather than entrap an animal. ECOs routinely work alongside federal agents with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to patrol and enforce federal law in federally regulated waters outside the statutory border of New York State.
ECO Milliron conducts regulatory inspections of lobster gear in open waters of the Atlantic Ocean
Fishing Compliance Checks – Suffolk, Chemung, Long Island Sound On May 24, ECOs Swart and Keegan responded to Corona, Queens, for a report of people selling seafood out of a pick-up truck. The Officers arrived at the location and discovered the seafood, imported from Ecuador, being sold without the proper tagging to indicate where they were harvested, which is required in New York State to ensure food safety. ECOs confiscated 157 pounds of clams and issued tickets to subjects for selling clams without the proper paperwork.
Illegal clams offered for sale in Queens County
On June 7, ECOs Paschke and Zullo conducted a targeted enforcement patrol in the eastern Long Island Sound at the Connecticut and New York State boundary focused on illegal black sea bass fishing in New York waters. Officers Paschke and Zullo checked several fishing vessels during the detail, most of which were from Connecticut where opening season for black sea bass opened May 18 versus in New York where the season begins June 23. The ECOs seized 72 black sea bass, one striped bass, and two summer flounder, and issued 30 tickets, all returnable to either the Southold Town Justice Court or Riverhead Town Justice Court.
ECO Zullo with fish seized during black sea bass enforcement detail on Long Island Sound
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