Bill > S07768

This bill extends the authority of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to regulate clam fishing from December 31, 2025, to December 31, 2028. Specifically, the bill allows the DEC to continue adopting regulations for managing three types of clams: hard clams (Mercenaria mercenaria), soft or steamer clams (Mya arenaria), and razor clams (Ensis sp.). These regulations can cover a wide range of fishing management aspects, including size limits, catch and possession limits, seasonal restrictions, closed areas, fishing methods, permit requirements, recordkeeping, fishing effort and gear restrictions, and rules about transportation, possession, and sale of clams. The bill ensures that any new regulations must be at least as restrictive as existing requirements in the environmental conservation chapter. By extending this authority, the bill enables the DEC to continue implementing science-based management strategies to protect clam populations and sustain the marine ecosystem.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7768