Recreational Marine Fishing Registry
Enroll in the Registry
Cost
No fee.
Valid Registration Dates
Registration is valid for one full year (365 days) from the date you register. There is no lifetime registration.
Who Needs to Register
You need to register if you are 16 and older and are:
- Fishing for saltwater fish species in the marine and coastal district (view description & map)
- Fishing for migratory fish of the sea within tidal waters of the Hudson River and its tributaries, or waters of Delaware River or Mohawk River.
You do not need to register if you are:
- Fishing aboard an appropriately licensed party or charter boat in the marine and coastal district.
- A New York State licensed party/charter boat owner.
- A Connecticut or Rhode Island resident and have a valid marine fishing license from your resident state.
- Fishing for lobsters, crabs, clams, mussels, scallops, or oysters. Review license/permit requirements for these activities below.
Recreational Activities Not Covered by Registration
- Tuna or shark fishing. This requires a National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) highly migratory species federal permit (link leaves DEC website).
- Lobstering. This requires a New York State recreational lobster permit ($10), which is available to residents only. For more information, contact the Crustaceans Unit at 631-444-0430.
- Crabbing. The state does not require a license to recreationally harvest crab; however recreational crab harvest limits and seasons apply.
- Shellfishing/Clamming. The state does not require a license to recreationally harvest shellfish by non-mechanical means; however, towns may require residents to get a permit before harvesting in town waters. Visit the shellfish harvest limits page for details.
Residents Fishing in Waters Outside New York State
Can I fish the following waters with a New York State marine registration only?
The following information is based on reciprocal agreements between state and federal governments.
| Waterbody | Yes/No |
|---|---|
| Federal waters/Exclusive Economic Zone (Atlantic Ocean beyond three miles from shore) |
Yes |
| Connecticut waters (i.e. Long Island Sound, Block Island Sound) |
Yes |
| Rhode Island waters (i.e. Block Island Sound) |
Yes |
| New Jersey waters (i.e. Raritan Bay, Sandy Hook Bay, Upper Bay, tidal Hudson River) |
No You must register in New Jersey's Saltwater Recreational Registry Program. |
| Non-bordering waterbodies (i.e. marine waterbodies in Massachusetts, Florida, Maryland, etc.) |
No You must purchase an appropriate fishing license or enroll in a registry from that state. |
Nonresidents Fishing in New York State
I have a recreational fishing license/registration from the following state, do I need to enroll in New York State's marine registry?
| State | Yes/No |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | No |
| Rhode Island | No |
| New Jersey | Yes |
| Non-bordering waterbody states (i.e. Massachusetts, Florida, Maryland, etc.) |
Yes |
General Information
Purpose of the Registry
Information from New York's marine registry is incorporated into the National Marine Fisheries Service database of recreational marine anglers. The database helps in efficiently obtaining fishing activity information, which is vital in setting quotas, size and bag limits, and fishing seasons each year.
Other Helpful Resources/Information
- Saltwater Fishing Regulations
- Tidal Hudson River Fishing Regulations
- Boat Registration (link leaves DEC website) (Issued by NYS Dept. of Motor Vehicles)
- Access Permits: Some state and municipal lands require a special access permit for fishing, hunting and trapping. Details on how to get the permit can be found in the links below:
New York City Watershed Recreation Access Permit (link leaves DEC website) (Issued by NYC DEP)
Long Island State Land Access Permit (Issued by DEC)
More on saltwater fishing in New York State
More about Recreational Marine Fishing Registry:
- Migratory Fish of the Sea - Information on migratory fish of the sea species for purposes of the recreational marine fishing registry.
- New York's Marine & Coastal District Waters - Map of marine and coastal district waters in New York State
