NYSDEC On Patrol

george

george

Administrator
Staff member

​

šŸŽ£ QUEENS COUNTY STRIPED BASS CHAOS - MAY 9, 2025​

Angler rescued from Carll River

Angler rescued from Carll River in Suffolk County during separate incident
In a dramatic scene that unfolded during routine marine fishing compliance checks, ECOs Barbera and Barrett encountered an angler who attempted to flee when officers approached. The suspect's panic led to throwing a garbage bag and fishing pole into the water before jumping in himself.

The Violations:​

  • Over possession limit for striped bass
  • Possession of undersized striped bass
  • Out-of-season tautog possession
  • Dumping upon signal to stop
  • Polluting New York State waters
RESULT: Five tickets issued, returnable to Queens Criminal Court

šŸŸ ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY TROUT SCANDAL - MAY 23, 2025​

Subject with illegal brown trout

Subject posing with illegal brown trout catch in St. Lawrence County
A concerning case emerged when ECO Atwood received a report from a fellow angler about a publicly posted photo showing an individual with what appeared to be an excessive brown trout catch in the town of Clifton.

The Shocking Numbers:​

  • 38 brown trout caught
  • Daily limit: Only 5 trout per day
  • Size limit violation: Maximum 2 fish over 12 inches
  • Fish were confiscated and donated to local food pantry
RESULT: Two tickets issued for exceeding daily limit and violating DEC fishing regulations

šŸ¦Ŗ QUEENS COUNTY SHELLFISH VIOLATION - MAY 23, 2025​

ECO Maynard observed an individual collecting items from the sand during low tide at Little Neck Bay, placing them in a yellow bag. Investigation revealed the person was harvesting oysters from uncertified waters - a serious health and environmental violation.

The Violation:​

  • 24 oysters taken from uncertified waters
  • Intended for human consumption
  • Serious health risks from contaminated shellfish
RESULT: One ticket issued, all oysters returned to water unharmed

ā›µ NASSAU COUNTY NIGHT PATROL - JUNE 7, 2025​

Night patrol on Long Island Sound

ECOs Pabes and Franz conduct late night vessel patrol on Long Island Sound
During an overnight vessel patrol on Long Island Sound, ECOs Franz and Pabes boarded and inspected seven vessels for safety equipment and fishing regulation compliance.

Multiple Violations Found:​

  • Possession of undersized summer flounder
  • Undersized weakfish and scup
  • Oversized striped bass (slot limit violation)
  • Fishing without valid NY State Marine Registry
RESULT: Multiple tickets issued across several vessels

​

Diesel spill violation

Environmental violation: Diesel fuel unlawfully spilled on roadway in Queens County
ECO helping turtle

ECO Franz assists turtle crossing busy road in Westchester County
Snake violation

ECO Wamsley with snake killed unlawfully in Dutchess County
Illegal deer kill

ECOs with well-known Fulton-Montgomery County buck killed unlawfully in December 2024
Outreach event

ECOs and students aboard Osprey Fleet during Marine Fishing Outreach event in Suffolk County
Training event

ECOs attend Incident Support Team Training at Port of Albany

​

These cases demonstrate that Environmental Conservation Police are actively patrolling our waters and enforcing regulations designed to protect New York's valuable fishery resources. The consequences of violations are serious - both legally and environmentally.

Key Reminders for All Anglers:​

Know your daily bag limits
Understand size restrictions
Check seasonal closures
Maintain valid fishing licenses/marine registry
Only harvest shellfish from certified waters
Respect slot limits on striped bass
This report compiled from official NYS DEC Press Office release dated June 20, 2025. All enforcement actions are ongoing legal matters. Images courtesy of NYS DEC Environmental Conservation Police.

Stay informed, fish responsibly, protect our waters for future generations!​

Visit NY Angler for more fishing news and regulations
 
Was boarded near the roundhouse in Jbay on opening day for sea bass after a day in the ocean. Had limit plus a pile of ling. Licenses checked, safety gear checked and fish measured. All good.

I hope they turn it up a notch. Too much poaching.
 
Town of Hempstead bay constables don't do random fish inspections. They inspect EVERYBODY some days and word gets around. (Note to asshats: Poach in Oyster Bay or Queens waters.) Back when I had motorboats, I think I was inspected less than half a dozen times over 40 years. Twice by DEC while clam bellying, and once while clamming by Tobay, which is about all Tobay does besides going after those exceeding 5mph zones. I have never been stopped while kayak fishing.
 
Chinacat said:
Right or wrong, thats how law enforcement works
Iā€™ve been that random guy that gets picked my whole life because of my pony tail and stereotype that LEOā€™s seem not to like
Click to expand...

Get a haircut, ya' hippie!

Don't worry, they don't like anyone that isn't law enforcement. Blue line thing, ya know?

I get scrutinized plenty. And in other situations I've had cops tell me that they assumed I was on the job. To paraphrase that Chevrolet commercial with Howie Long, "I've got cop hair."

I have no love for abuse of law enforcement powers. Particularly for revenue enhancement.

OTOH, I was driving home from a hunting trip with a friend who was a detective, and while we're transiting NYC we were behind a Chebbie Van that was a camouflage of bondo and primer. And he commented that that would be marked for pullover.

I was also good friends with a long-haired guitarist who was teaching me guitar. Oh,... I was also the crew-chief for his local NASCAR effort.

And he told me that when he had short hair he never had issues, but when he decided to grow it longer he started running into issues. Buuuuuttt he also had started working on his older van and it was a patchwork of bondo and primer....

So, my reflex was "Well, why would you pull my friend over? He's a good guy. Business owner, volunteer firefighter, supports his community, etc."?

And my detective friend tells me, "You'd be surprised. Pull over a dirtbag vehicle, and you'll find a dirtbag inside. A string of outstanding warrants, subpoenas,..etc." They're not usually the ordinary working stiff who's just trying to keep their ride riding.

So, who's the good guy and who's not?

Pardon the expression,.. but it's not always black and white.
 
My long deceased friend, retired Army Colonel and SCPD would always say the car going below the speed limit is the one to pull over. (Drunk or junkie or back seat full of home break-in goodies.) Last two tickets I got, in 1975, for speeding, I was in uniform but driving a year old V8 Red Mustang.
 
šŸ“± Fish Smarter with the NYAngler App!
Launch Now

Members online

Total: 337 (members: 14, guests: 323)

Fishing Reports

Latest posts

Latest articles

Back
Top