And I'm worried about keeping a fish that's on the line!
These guys kept over 100 fish!
"On July 20, during a Montauk boat patrol, NYSDEC ECOs DeVito, Della Rocco, and Simmons observed fishermen from a vessel situated beyond New York's territorial waters, in federal jurisdiction. After assessing, it was discerned that the captain lacked a federal fishing permit, making the possession of the 100 onboard fish, comprising black sea bass and porgy, illegal. The individual now confronts federal charges as per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration standards."
Outright Poachers
"On July 22, NYSDEC's Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) Perkins and Hilton made their way to the Oak Beach Pier located in the town of Babylon, Suffolk County, with the intention of monitoring and ensuring recreational saltwater fishing compliance, particularly after sunset. This proactive move was part of NYSDEC's ongoing commitment to protect marine resources and ensure ethical fishing practices within the state. As the night progressed, these dedicated NYSDEC Officers meticulously examined the catch bags belonging to two specific anglers. To their dismay, they uncovered several fish that didn't meet the legal criteria. This included undersized fluke, tautog, and blue crabs. Further compounding the issue, the fishermen confessed to using a cast net to haul in their catches, another potential violation. As a result of their actions and in line with NYSDEC's rigorous environmental standards, the duo were handed a total of eight citations. These tickets pertained to the possession of undersized fish, exceeding the permissible catch limit, fishing out-of-season species, and the capture of undersized crabs, among other environmental infractions. Such incidents underscore the NYSDEC's unwavering dedication to safeguarding our marine environment and promoting responsible fishing."
Fluke Fiasco:
NYSDEC Officers Chase Down Anglers in Dramatic Fox Beach Pursuit
ECOs Farner and Kortz with illegal fluke caught at Fox Beach in Richmond County
"On July 23, in a twist of events reminiscent of an action movie, NYSDEC's Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) Farner and Kortz were thrust into an unexpected foot chase following what can only be described as a 'fluke fiasco.' Acting on complaints lodged by vigilant citizens, these dedicated NYSDEC officers were alerted to four individuals allegedly indulging in unethical fishing practices at Fox Beach in Richmond County. The reported misdemeanor? Keeping fluke well beyond permissible limits and retaining those which were clearly undersized.
Determined to address this head-on and enforce NYSDEC's stringent fishing regulations, ECOs Farner and Kortz discreetly observed the situation and decided to approach the anglers as they were making their way back to the parking lot. However, the scene quickly escalated. On realizing they were about to be confronted, the anglers, in a desperate bid to evade accountability, dashed away, prompting an adrenaline-fueled foot pursuit.
Demonstrating agility and commitment to their roles, the NYSDEC officers managed to catch up with the errant fishermen. Upon inspection, the officers' suspicions were confirmed: the anglers had a staggering 24 fluke in their possession, with a whopping 22 of them being undersized, clearly flouting NYSDEC regulations.
In light of their findings and in upholding the NYSDEC's dedication to preserving marine ecosystems, ECOs Farner and Kortz issued a total of 11 citations to the fishermen. The charges were diverse, spanning from possession of over-the-limit and undersized fish, to the failure to release captured fish without causing them undue harm, and even fishing without a necessary marine registry. This incident serves as a stark reminder of NYSDEC's unwavering commitment to marine conservation and its proactive measures to ensure ethical fishing practices across the state."
NYSDEC Crackdown: Midnight Operation
Uncovers Oversized Bass in Huntington Harbor
Uncovers Oversized Bass in Huntington Harbor
Oversized bass found in hidden compartment of vessel fishing in Huntington
On July 26, in an operation that underscores the NYSDEC's commitment to preserving marine wildlife, ECO Cacciola joined forces with ECO Hilton to investigate a suspicious vessel anchored in Huntington Harbor, located in the town of Huntington, Suffolk County. The ship, under the command of an individual previously flagged for poaching activities, became the focal point of their midnight mission.
While the captain maintained that his catch for the night was limited to just a single bluefish, the ECOs' meticulous inspection revealed a hidden compartment. Concealed within was an oversized striped bass, measuring a whopping 44 inches — a startling 13 inches beyond the legal limit.
In keeping with the NYSDEC's stringent regulations and commitment to marine conservation, the officers promptly issued three citations to the angler for his unlawful catch. The oversized bass was confiscated as crucial evidence, further showcasing the department's dedication to upholding environmental laws and preserving the aquatic ecosystem.
NYSDEC Officers Uncover Illegal Fishing Practices: Montauk Market Faces Penalties for Untagged and Unlabeled Fish
ECO Hilton sorting tagged and untagged tautog at fish market in Montauk
On Aug. 2, as part of their continuous efforts to enforce sustainable fishing practices, NYSDEC's vigilant officers, ECOs DeVito and Hilton, embarked on a routine inspection of commercial fisheries in Montauk, Suffolk County, a region renowned for its bustling marine trade.
While many establishments maintain ethical and legal standards, one particular fish market raised the eyebrows of these seasoned officers. Upon closer inspection of the market's inventory ready for packaging, they encountered four significant totes brimming with freshly caught fish. Alarmingly, buried within one of these containers, they identified 20 untagged tautog — a glaring violation of marine conservation regulations set forth by the NYSDEC.
But the discrepancies didn't stop there. A further examination led the officers to discover an astounding 100 pounds of black sea bass, concealed within unlabeled storage containers. Such oversights not only infringe on established regulations but also pose potential risks to consumers who deserve transparent information about their seafood's origin and quality.
In line with NYSDEC's mission to promote transparent, sustainable, and regulated fishing practices, the officers acted swiftly, ticketing the market for these glaring violations. The incident sheds light on the broader issue of unregulated fish trading, emphasizing the importance of regular checks and the role of the NYSDEC in safeguarding both marine life and consumer rights.
