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Marine Laws and Regulations

bluefish

Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix)

For the recreational angler feisty bluefish can provide an exciting fishing experience. In New York there is no minimum size limit for the first 10 fish. There is a 12-inch total length minimum size for the next 5 fish. Daily possession is 15 blues. And remember, no more than 10 may be less than 12 inches in total length. These limits only apply to recreational fishing for bluefish. Regulations controlling the recreational size limits of bluefish may be found in 6 NYCRR Part 40.1(f). Each year DEC drafts new regulations or amends existing regulations as part of the management and protection of New York's natural resources. Marine regulations are listed above. This list will link to the actual text of the specific regulation.

Laws controlling the use and management of New York's natural resources are found in the Environmental Conservation Law, or ECL. Each year the state legislature writes amendments to the ECL, seeking to improve the management of the state's natural resources. The laws controlling the management of New York's marine resources can be found in Articles 11 and 13 of the ECL. Follow the link below to New York State laws and follow the directions to the ECL.

Here is a brief outline of the sections of the ECL concerning marine resources:

Article 11
General information, definitions
Striped bass: Section 11-0303

Article 13
Shellfish: Sections 13-0301 through 13-0327
Crustaceans: Sections 13-0329 through 13-0331
Marine Fish and Fishing: Sections 13-0328, 13-0333 through 13-0360.

Article 25
Tidal Wetland Protection