The Morning Catch - Blue Water's Newsletter

New Slot Limit Complies with ASMFC Requirements for Striped Bass Spawning Stock Protection The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the adoption of new regulations in the State's marine waters for recreational Atlantic striped bass fishing. The new recreational slot limit of 28 to 31 inches takes effect immediately and is set as required by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) to reduce recreational harvest. The recreational slot limit in the Hudson River north of the George Washington Bridge remains 18 to 28 inches. New York State works cooperatively with the ASMFC and all East...

New York State would like your help! Do you want to have a more active role in the conservation and management of striped bass? By joining the NYS DEC Striped Bass Cooperative Anglers Program (SBCA), you can take part in an effort to help manage and maintain a healthy striped bass population. New York State is required by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) (leaves DEC website) to supplement the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) (leaves DEC website) with additional information from our recreational fishery. We satisfy this requirement with the help of New York State volunteer recreational anglers. We provide volunteer anglers...

Seafood has been a staple of human diets for thousands of years. From the earliest fishing communities to the modern day, people have relied on the ocean's bounty for sustenance and enjoyment. And for those who love seafood, there is always something new and exciting to discover. Let's explore some of the fascinating aspects of seafood that will satisfy any seafood lover's appetite. Firstly, seafood is incredibly diverse. From shellfish to fish, from mollusks to crustaceans, there is a wide variety of seafood available to satisfy any palate. Each type of seafood has its unique taste, texture, and nutritional benefits....

Undersized Lobster and Unpermitted Shellfish Storage - New York County On Feb.6, ECOs Michalet, Pansini, and Veloski conducted a commercial fisheries market check on Manhattan's Lower East Side. Upon entering one location, the Officers discovered violations including improper storage of shellfish. The ECOs found two containers of clams submerged in water, a practice that requires a special DEC permit because of the high potential to spread disease. The two species of clams totaled approximately 32 pounds. After sorting through multiple storage tanks, ECOs also discovered 36 undersized lobsters. Officers seized the lobsters and clams and issued a Notice of Violation...

Illegal Striped Bass for Sale - Nassau County On Jan 25., ECOs Pabes, Kochanowski, and Anderson conducted a retail market check in the seafood department of a grocery store in Uniondale, Long Island. During their inspection, the Officers discovered three undersized and untagged striped bass, along with a filleted striped bass on display for sale. The seafood department manager was unable to produce the required tag for the filleted striped bass. ECOs issued three citations for possession of undersized fish, unlawful sale of untagged striped bass, and unlawful sale of striped bass fillets without a tagged carcass available. All tickets...