Bill > S04289

This bill extends the New York Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) authority to regulate crab management until December 31, 2027, with a significant new provision that completely prohibits the taking of horseshoe crabs for commercial and biomedical purposes within the state's waters. Currently, the DEC could previously regulate horseshoe crabs, but this bill specifically excludes horseshoe crabs from general crab management regulations and institutes a blanket ban on their harvest. The bill does include a narrow exemption that allows for the taking of horseshoe crabs for scientific or educational purposes, such as by public or not-for-profit zoos and aquariums, with specific approval from the commissioner. The legislation also modifies existing permit requirements for crab harvesting, removing horseshoe crabs from commercial permitting language. The bill will take effect immediately, with the horseshoe crab prohibition specifically becoming operative on January 1, 2026, giving stakeholders time to prepare for the new restrictions.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4289