DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officer Highlight - The Fisherman

DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officer Highlight

On May 18, ECOs Helmeyer and Wamsley conducted boat patrol on the Hudson River for striped bass fishing enforcement. The ECOs began conducting vessel checks for fish on board, correct tackle including circle hooks, and required safety equipment. During the check of one vessel, the Officers discovered a large striped bass within the live-well of the boat. The fish measured 39 inches, well outside the slot limit of 18-28 inches. When asked for a marine registry required to fish for striped bass, the individual could not produce it. The ECOs issued two summonses to the subject returnable to the Town of Newburgh Court.

Continuing their boat patrol, the ECOs came across another vessel where the individual bragged about catching a big fish. The striped bass measured in at 40 inches. The officers issued a summons to the individual who caught the fish returnable to the Town of Newburgh Court. ECOs checked a total of 21 vessels during their patrol. The two illegally kept striped bass were seized and donated to a local zoo.

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