Environmental Conservation Police Keeping NY Waters Safe: The Complete September 2025 Report
ECOs issue over 9,400 violations in first half of 2025, with major fishing enforcement actions across the stateNew York's Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) have been exceptionally busy protecting our fishing resources this year. In the first half of 2025 alone, DEC's Division of Law Enforcement fielded an estimated 45,000 calls, responding to over 18,934 complaints and issuing 9,440 tickets or arrests for violations ranging from deer poaching to major fishing violations.
COMPLETE LIST OF ALL ENFORCEMENT STORIES:
1. Major Fishing Violations - Jones Beach State Park, Nassau County
ECOs discovered a major illegal netting operation at Jones Beach State Park. Officers confiscated thousands of Atlantic silversides and several undersized species including black sea bass and oyster toadfish. The violators were using nets in prohibited areas, which is illegal in state parks and can devastate baitfish populations that larger game fish depend on.
ECOs issued a total of 29 tickets to the group for violations including:
- Not possessing a food fish license
- Possession of out-of-season fish
- Possession of undersized fish
- Using illegal nets in prohibited waters
2. Illegal Fish Sales - New York County (Manhattan)
ECOs busted an illegal fish sales operation in Manhattan where fish were being sold without proper licensing and documentation. The operation was selling fish that may have been caught illegally or without following proper commercial fishing regulations.
3. Deer Poacher Convicted - Genesee and Wyoming Counties
The major two-year investigation of Tyler D. Jennings, 29, of Attica, concluded with his guilty plea in July. ECO Fuerch's investigation uncovered the illegal take of 15 antlered deer dating back to 2019, including use of expired tags and trespassing violations.
Outcome: $6,000 in fines, $750 in court surcharges, five-year hunting license revocation.
4. Over the Rail - Illegal Dumping, Brookhaven Township, Suffolk County
On August 16, ECO Francis responded to illegal dumping along I-495 in Manorville. A subject was caught throwing 14 bags of construction debris over a guardrail, with another 13 bags and 50 additional bags found in the van.Outcome: $3,000 fine, ordered to properly dispose of all materials.
5. Boat Fire Emergency Response - Richmond County
On September 8, ECOs Ableson, Maynard, and Pansini were first responders to a sailboat fire off Staten Island. They provided first aid to two crew members rescued by a recreational fishing vessel and coordinated with other emergency units.
6. Law Enforcement Career Fair - SUNY Albany and ESF
On September 11, ECOs conducted recruitment at two universities:
- SUNY Albany: ECOs Burgess and Bohling
- SUNY ESF Syracuse: ECO Swart and Forest Ranger Chappell
7. Nothing but Net - Deer Rescue, Suffolk County
On September 16, ECO Francis rescued a deer tangled in a soccer net in Islip, working with homeowners to safely free the animal.8. Public Safety Appreciation Reception - Albany
On September 19, Governor Kathy Hochul held a Public Safety Appreciation Reception in Albany to honor law enforcement agencies, including DEC's Environmental Conservation Police Officers.
What This Means for NY Anglers
The major fishing violations at Jones Beach and Manhattan show how ECOs are protecting both recreational and commercial fishing opportunities:Jones Beach Operation: The confiscation of thousands of Atlantic silversides is huge for anglers. These baitfish are critical for the ecosystem - they're what striped bass, bluefish, and fluke feed on. When people illegally net massive quantities, it impacts the entire food chain.
Manhattan Fish Sales: Illegal fish sales undercut legitimate businesses and can introduce unchecked fish into the market that may carry diseases or haven't been properly handled.
Key Statistics:
- Over 40 tickets issued for fishing violations from Manhattan to Jones Beach
- 29 tickets in a single Jones Beach operation
- Thousands of fish confiscated and returned to the ecosystem
- Multiple species protected: Atlantic silversides, black sea bass, oyster toadfish
The Big Picture
Commissioner Amanda Lefton emphasized that "DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) and Investigators protect New York's air, water, wildlife, and public safety, while also working to connect New Yorkers with the outdoors."These enforcement actions ensure:
- Healthy baitfish populations for game fish
- Fair competition for legitimate charter boats and commercial fishermen
- Safe, properly handled fish in the marketplace
- Sustainable fishing for future generations
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