The New York State DEC has recently revealed its findings on a major crackdown on illegal fishing and sales across the state.
Fish Market Scandal
A team of officials, including those from the DEC and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), conducted inspections at the historic Fulton Fish Market in the Bronx on March 21. During these inspections, they discovered several commercial marine violations, including:
- Undersized black sea bass: 48 specimens were found to be below the legal commercial size of 11 inches.
- Undersized fluke: 4 specimens were found to be below the legal commercial size of 14 inches.
- Oversized striped bass: 1 specimen was found to be above the legal commercial size of 26-38 inches.
Tickets were issued for these commercial marine violations, highlighting the importance of adhering to regulations to ensure the sustainability of fish populations.
Anglers Caught with Illicit Striped Bass
In Westchester County, a DEC officer spotted an angler at Crawbuckie Park in Ossining hauling in striped bass at an alarming rate before the start of the striped bass season. The officer discovered a large garbage bag containing 23 out-of-season striped bass, which were still alive and were quickly released back into the water. The angler was issued six tickets for multiple violations, including:
- Possessing fish during a closed season
- Fishing without a license
- Using the wrong type of hook
The fish that could not be saved were donated to a local fishery. In Rockland County, a similar incident occurred before the start of the striped bass season.
Trespassing on Private Property
In Delaware County, two officers patrolled the Delaware River on April 1, the opening day for trout season, when they spotted two vehicles parked on private property in the town of Hancock. The area is a popular fishing spot, but the landowner told officers that no permission was granted. The officers soon spotted five individuals leaving the area with six unlawfully caught trout. Each of the five individuals was issued two tickets, one for trespassing and another for fishing without landowner permission.
Federal and State Officers Team Up
On March 21, the DEC teamed up with the NOAA to conduct inspections of vendors at the historic Fulton Fish Market in the Bronx. The market is one of the nation’s oldest and largest seafood wholesalers. During these inspections, officials found several commercial marine violations. The DEC stated that officers confiscated 48 undersized black sea bass, 4 undersized fluke, and 1 oversized striped bass during the patrol. Tickets were issued for these commercial marine violations, highlighting the importance of adhering to regulations to ensure the sustainability of fish populations.
A Record-Breaking Catch
On the Hudson River, a massive fish weighing 220 pounds was caught in March. The fish was caught by a commercial fishing vessel, but its size was not publicly disclosed. This record-breaking catch highlights the importance of responsible fishing practices to ensure the sustainability of fish populations.
Consequences of Illegal Fishing
The consequences of illegal fishing can be severe, including fines, penalties, and even imprisonment. In the case of the angler who was caught with 23 out-of-season striped bass, the fines for the multiple violations were substantial. The angler was issued six tickets, including six counts of possessing fish during a closed season, six counts of fishing without a license, and six counts of using the wrong type of hook. The fines for these violations are typically significant, and can include restitution to the state for the cost of the fish and any other penalties. The fish that could not be saved were donated to a local fishery, highlighting the importance of responsible fishing practices to ensure the sustainability of fish populations. The DEC is committed to enforcing the regulations and ensuring the sustainability of fish populations in New York State.
Call to Action
To prevent the destruction of fish populations, it is essential for individuals to follow the regulations and guidelines set by the DEC. The DEC provides information on its website on the regulations and guidelines for fishing, as well as the consequences of violating the regulations. By following the regulations and guidelines, individuals can help ensure the sustainability of fish populations and prevent the destruction of fish populations. In conclusion, the recent crackdown on illegal fishing and sales in New York State highlights the importance of adhering to regulations to ensure the sustainability of fish populations.
