The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) met on March 2, 2023 and approved recreational measures for Black Sea Bass and Scup for all states involved in the fisheries, including New York (https://asmfc.org/calendar/3/2023/Summer-Flounder-Scup-and-Black-Sea-Bass-Management-Board/2078). Approved options were presented at the March 7, 2023 meeting of New York’s Marine Resources Advisory Council (MRAC).
States from Massachusetts through New York (MA, RI, CT, and NY) have worked together to develop consistent recreational regulations for Scup. ASMFC approved an option which includes an open season from May 1-December 31, a 30 fish possession limit and 10.5” minimum length for vessel (private or for-hire) based anglers and a 9.5-inch minimum length for shore based anglers. In addition, anglers fishing from a for-hire vessel from September 1-October 31 can keep up to 40 fish.
ASMFC approved 3 different options for recreational Black Sea Bass fishing in New York. Recreational fishermen (during a February 27, 2023 public meeting) and members of MRAC (on March 7, 2023) both voiced majority support for an option that increased the minimum length for a keeper black sea bass to 16.5 inches, leaving the open season and possession limits unchanged.
DEC will consider this public feedback as it prepares new fishing regulations for the 2023 season.
