New Shark Regulations in New York

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) recently announced changes to regulations affecting all highly migratory species (HMS) permit holders that fish recreationally, retain, possess or land sharks.

HMS permit holders are now required to obtain a shark endorsement, which entails completing a short online shark identification and fishing regulation quiz. In addition, anglers fishing in New York waters must also apply for and carry the no-fee Recreational Marine Registry.

Anglers should keep in mind that non-offset, nonstainless-steel circle hooks are a must in New York State waters (up to 3 miles offshore) when fishing for sharks with baited hooks, and that NOAA Fisheries also requires the use of non-offset, non-stainlesssteel circle hooks for recreational shark fishing in federal waters (3 to 200 miles offshore) when using baited hooks south of 41° 43' latitude (near Chatham, Massachusetts).

NYSDEC reminds anglers the recreational minimum size for shortfin mako sharks in federal waters increased to 83 inches (fork length) in March, and urges them not to target prohibited shark species such as sandbar (brown), dusky and sand tiger sharks.

Information about how to identify prohibited shark species and what to do if you catch one can be found on the NYSDEC Shark Fishing Web page.