New York State facilities are available to all persons without regard to race, color, national origin or physical disability in accordance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This guide is a summary that is intended for convenience only. For complete information, consult New York State Environmental Conservation Law and Volume 6 of the Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New York. Copies can be reviewed at the nearest library with a State Supreme Court references section or by contacting a regional Division of Law Enforcement Office. Be sure to see “Using This Guide” and review “Highlights of Changes” below.
Highlights of Changes
Note: Changes are highlighted in green throughout the guide.
Changes to Marine Licensing Requirements
- Anglers 16 years and older desiring to fish in the marine and coastal district or for migratory marine species must enroll in the no fee Recreational Marine Fishing Registry.
Changes to Baitfish Regulations
- Allows for the overland motorized transport of uncertified baitfish that are collected for personal use within identified transportation corridors. Such baitfish may only be used in the water body from which they were collected.
- Allows for the overland motorized transport of uncertified baitfish by anglers purchasing the baitfish from licensed bait dealers located within one of the transportation corridors (provided the seller has obtained a permit from DEC to sell uncertified baitfish). The seller must provide the purchaser with a receipt that identifies the water body from which the bait was collected and can be used. That water body is the only place where the baitfish may be used.
- Imposes no restrictions on the number of uncertified baitfish that may be collected or purchased for personal use in the water bodies associated with the transportation corridors. Also, such fish may be retained or preserved in any manner within the boundaries of the corridors. They may not be transported outside of the individual transportation corridors.
- Adds Eastern Silvery Minnow to the Green List Baitfish.
Possible Law Change
- At press time, legislation was pending which may change the number of allowable lines an angler could operate from 2 to 3 lines. Check our website at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7917.html or you may call 518-402-8920 for the latest information.
