New York Regulations for Black Sea Bass and Scup are in Place
New recreational saltwater fishing regulations for black sea bass and scup have been issued by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation.
The new laws were already in force in the Marine and Coastal District of New York. According to DEC, decreasing the recreational harvest of scup and black sea bass is significant for New York State to remain in conformity with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.
New laws stipulate that the recreational black sea bass season in New York will begin on June 23, with a minimum size limit of 16 inches. From June 23 to August 31, recreational anglers are permitted to possess three black sea bass per day. From September 1 to December 31, anglers are permitted to own six fish per day.
In New York, the minimum recreational size limit for scup is 10 inches, and the season is open year-round. From September 1 through October 31, recreational anglers may possess 30 fish per day, while anglers aboard licenced party or charter boats may hold 50 fish. The increased recreational minimum size limit for scup in New York State is consistent with the federal size limit.
The state of New York must limit its harvest by 20.7% due to a decision issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration under federal regulations published on June 9. New York is adhering to the new regulation by increasing the minimum size limit by one inch and decreasing the possession limit.
The whole rulemaking text is available on the DEC website. DEC will accept comments on the regulations between July 6 and September 6. Check the DEC's Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations for updated rules.
Source: WWTI
