- Westchester Angler Caught with 23 Striped Bass—Before Season Even Opened
- Illegal Striped Bass- Rockland County
- Trespassing on Private Property in Delaware County
- Federal and State Officers Team Up at Bronx Fish Market
- Massive Fish: Weighing 220 Pounds Caught in Hudson River
Illegal fishing has become a significant concern in New York, with top officials discovering numerous violations across the state. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has been cracking down on illegal fishing activities, resulting in several arrests and fines. In Westchester County, a DEC officer spotted an angler at Crawbuckie Park in Ossining hauling in striped bass at an alarming rate. The officer discovered a large garbage bag containing 23 out-of-season striped bass, which were still alive and 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, and using the wrong type of hook. The DEC has also been targeting illegal striped bass in Rockland County. Before the start of the striped bass season, officers followed up on a tip from a concerned resident, leading to the discovery of two illegally caught striped bass. One person was issued multiple tickets for taking striped bass out of season and failing to use a non-offset circle hook. In Delaware County, a separate incident occurred on April 1, which marked the opening day of trout season. ECOs (Environmental Conservation Officers) Doig and Osborne were patrolling along the Delaware River when they spotted two vehicles parked on private property without permission. 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 were issued two tickets, one for trespassing and another for fishing without landowner permission. The DEC has also been working with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to conduct inspections of vendors at the historic Fulton Fish Market in the Bronx. This market is one of the nation’s oldest and largest seafood wholesalers, and officials found several violations during the patrol. Officers confiscated 48 undersized black sea bass, four undersized fluke, and one oversized striped bass. Tickets were issued for these commercial marine violations. In a separate incident, a massive fish weighing 220 pounds was caught in the Hudson River. The fish was not reported to be a protected species, and its capture was not subject to the same regulations as other fish. The DEC has not released any information on the owner of the fish or the circumstances surrounding its capture. Overall, illegal fishing is a growing concern in New York, with numerous violations discovered across the state. The DEC’s efforts to crack down on illegal fishing activities have resulted in several arrests and fines. As the fishing season continues, it is essential for anglers to be aware of the regulations and follow the law to avoid any penalties.
Relevant Regulations
* The New York State Fishing Regulations can be found on the DEC website. * Anglers are required to have a valid fishing license to fish in New York State. * There are specific regulations regarding the species, size, and season for fishing in New York State. * Anglers must also comply with the regulations for the gear used, such as hooks and nets.
Penalties for Illegal Fishing
* Possessing fish during a closed season can result in fines ranging from $100 to $1,000. * Fishing without a license can result in fines ranging from $50 to $500. * Using the wrong type of hook can result in fines ranging from $20 to $200.
Preventing Illegal Fishing
* Anglers can help prevent illegal fishing by reporting any suspicious activity to the DEC. * The DEC offers a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals involved in illegal fishing activities. * Anglers can also participate in conservation efforts by reporting any damage to fish habitats or fishing gear.
Conclusion
Illegal fishing is a significant concern in New York, with numerous violations discovered across the state. By working together, we can prevent illegal fishing and protect the state’s fish populations.
