Bill > S07772

This bill extends the authority of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to manage weakfish (a marine fish species scientifically known as Cynoscion regalis) until December 31, 2028. The bill amends an existing section of environmental conservation law by changing the previous expiration date from 2025 to 2028. Under this authority, the DEC can establish and enforce various regulatory measures for weakfish management, including setting size limits, catch and possession limits, defining open and closed fishing seasons, establishing closed areas, and creating restrictions on how weakfish can be caught, transported, and sold. These regulations must align with fishery management plans developed by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and federal fishery conservation guidelines. The bill ensures that the DEC maintains its comprehensive regulatory power over weakfish for an additional three years, helping to support sustainable fishing practices and marine resource management in New York State.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7772