Illegal Fishing Crackdown In Hudson River!

(Photo: DEC) The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) conducted a striped bass detail in Putnam and Westchester counties in New York. This initiative aimed to address the issue of illegal fishing in the Hudson River, which is a critical habitat for the species. During the detail, officers from the DEC’s Division of Environmental Conservation intercepted numerous individuals engaging in prohibited fishing activities. These activities included using nets, traps, and other gear to catch striped bass, which is a protected species in New York State. The DEC’s efforts were prompted by concerns about the decline of striped bass populations in the Hudson River. Striped bass are anadromous fish, meaning they migrate from the ocean to freshwater habitats to spawn. However, their numbers have been declining due to various factors, including overfishing, habitat degradation, and climate change. As a result, the DEC implemented regulations to protect the species and its habitat, including restrictions on fishing gear and times. During the striped bass detail, officers enforced these regulations and issued citations to individuals found to be engaging in illegal fishing activities. The DEC also provided educational materials to the public, highlighting the importance of responsible fishing practices and the consequences of violating fishing regulations.

The size limits are as follows:

New Size Limits

28 inches minimum length for the Atlantic coast

32 inches minimum length for the Gulf of Maine

36 inches minimum length for the Gulf of Mexico

Impact on the Striped Bass Fishery

The new size limits are intended to help maintain the sustainability of the striped bass fishery. The increase in coastal recreational harvest in 2022 led to a decline in the population of striped bass.

The fish was identified as a blue marlin, a species known for its impressive size and strength. The Hudson River, which flows through New York City, has a long history of unusual catches. Over the years, fishermen have reported catching everything from sharks to alligators. However, the blue marlin caught in 2019 was one of the largest ever recorded in the river. The blue marlin was caught by a commercial fishing boat off the coast of New York. The fish was estimated to be around 14 feet long and weighed over 220 pounds. The crew of the boat was amazed by the catch, and they immediately contacted the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to report the catch. The DEC sent a team of experts to the scene to verify the catch and determine the fish’s identity. After conducting a series of tests, the team confirmed that the fish was indeed a blue marlin. The blue marlin is a highly migratory species that can be found in oceans around the world. It is known for its impressive size and strength, and is often targeted by commercial fishermen for its meat and fins. The catch of the blue marlin in the Hudson River was a significant event for the fishing industry in New York. It highlighted the importance of conservation efforts and the need for sustainable fishing practices. The DEC has implemented measures to protect the Hudson River’s marine ecosystem and prevent similar catches in the future. These measures include restrictions on fishing gear and limits on the number of fish that can be caught.