New York Fishing Regulations: A Week of Enforcement Highlights
As a dedicated resource for anglers in New York, NYAngler.com is committed to keeping you informed about the latest in fishing regulations and enforcement actions. This past week has been particularly eventful, with several noteworthy incidents highlighting the importance of adhering to state fishing laws. Here's a recap of some of the key enforcement actions taken by Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) across New York State.
Cast Netting Near Goudey Dam: A Lesson in Fishing Regulations
On October 8, ECO McCormick, following up on reports and photographic evidence, encountered three individuals near Goudey Dam on the Susquehanna River in Broome County. These anglers were caught using a cast net, a method prohibited in those waters. Despite their unawareness of the regulation, they were found in possession of 34 fish, 29 of which were hidden nearby. Officer McCormick issued eight citations for various violations, including using illegal fishing methods and lacking a freshwater fishing license.Illegal Blackfish Catch in Suffolk County
A few days later, on October 10, ECO Dickson responded to a report of a boat at a Suffolk County gas dock with an out-of-season blackfish. With the help of the U.S. Coast Guard, the ECO located and inspected the vessel, uncovering not only the reported blackfish but also several other out-of-season and undersized species. The fisherman, initially claiming to have caught only a striped bass, faced multiple citations.Crackdown on Invasive Species and Illegal Seafood Sales
The enforcement efforts extended to the illegal wildlife trade as well. On October 12, ECO Kortz seized 289 illegally imported Chinese mitten crabs from a Brooklyn store. These crabs are considered highly invasive and are illegal to possess in New York. The same day, ECO Kortz also discovered and seized 250 illegally possessed blood clams from a nearby supermarket.Manhattan Street Fish Market Patrol
In Manhattan, ECOs conducted a targeted operation against the illegal street sale of fish. Several vendors were ticketed for selling untagged striped bass and blackfish, as well as possessing fish below the legal size limit.Opening Day for Blackfish: Compliance Checks at Smith Point Outer Beach
On the opening day for blackfish season, October 15, ECOs Perkins and Paschke were patrolling Smith Point Outer Beach in Suffolk County. They encountered a group of anglers illegally discarding undersized blackfish. A total of 18 tickets were issued for various offenses, including dumping fish and failure to comply with marine registry requirements.Illegal Commercial Harvest in Kings County
Finally, on October 27, ECOs Traynor and Kortz observed a commercial vessel in Kings County offloading untagged blackfish. The catch, totaling over 200 pounds and valued at approximately $3,100, included 20 fish below the legal commercial size. The ECOs issued a Notice of Violation for exceeding the legal commercial limit and possessing undersized fish.The Importance of Compliance
These incidents underscore the importance of understanding and complying with New York's fishing regulations. As anglers, we have a responsibility to protect our fisheries and ensure sustainable practices. Stay informed and fish responsibly!For more insights and updates on fishing in New York, visit NYAngler.com, your go-to source for all things fishing in the Empire State.
This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Always refer to the official New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) regulations for the most current rules and regulations.
