Environment DEC
From the May 2005 issue
New Marine Fishing Regulations for 2005-06
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan announced that DEC has adopted emergency marine recreational fishing regulations for 2005-06 affecting summer flounder (fluke), scup, black sea bass, striped bass, and bluefish. "Saltwater fishing brings enjoyment to countless anglers and contributes significantly to our economy," Commissioner Sheehan said. "These regulations will continue to protect our important marine fishery, while providing more opportunities for a great catch."
DEC adopted these changes by emergency rule to provide timely relief to New York State's marine anglers and fishing businesses. All other marine recreational fishing regulations remain unchanged by this emergency regulation. Updates to the marine fishing regulations can be found on DEC's Web Site.
Affected Species
Changes in season, size, and catch
limits for fluke (shown), scup and
sea bass are a reflection of stable
or increasing quotas for these species
The changes in season, size, and catch limits for fluke (summer flounder), scup and sea bass are a reflection of stable or increasing quotas for these species, coupled with the reduction in harvest resulting from the more restrictive regulations implemented in 2004 that were necessary to bring the state into compliance with the requirements of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC). The bluefish and striped bass season changes are a reflection of amendments to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan that were adopted by the ASMFC. Adoption and announcement of the 2005-06 regulations by DEC is supported by the Marine Resources Advisory Council and many in the recreational fishing industry.
In addition to the emergency regulations announced and effective immediately, proposed final regulations were published on April 27, 2005, in the New York State Register. Public comments on the proposed final regulations will be accepted until June 10, 2005. All comments should be in written form and sent to: Byron Young, NYSDEC, 205 N. Belle Mead Rd, Suite 1, E. Setauket, NY, 11733.
Recreational Fishing Statistics
The Marine Recreational Fishing Statistics Survey of the National Marine Fisheries Service estimated that more than a half-million anglers made more than 4.6 million fishing trips in New York State's marine waters in 2004. The most popular species among the state's marine anglers are striped bass, bluefish, fluke and porgy, with estimated 2004 catches of 1.7 million, 3.2 million, 3.4 million, and 3.9 million respectively. A 2001 study by the New York Sea Grant Institute estimated that New York State's marine recreational fishing industry contributes a total of more than $1.3 billion to the state's economy and supports 21,000 jobs annually.
