Bill > A09437

This bill extends the Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) authority to regulate the management of all crabs, including horseshoe crabs, until December 31, 2029, and also extends this authority for other crabs, excluding horseshoe crabs, until the same date. The bill also directs the DEC to implement specific reductions to the annual commercial horseshoe crab quota, decreasing it to 75% in 2026, 50% in 2027, and 25% in 2028, based on the 2025 quota distribution plan. These quota reductions are intended to ensure that the total amount of horseshoe crabs taken does not exceed certain limits. The bill also adjusts the effective date for certain provisions related to the prohibition of horseshoe crab harvesting for commercial and biomedical purposes, delaying their implementation until January 1, 2029. The DEC's authority to regulate crabs, as outlined in this bill, is consistent with fishery management plans from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and the Federal Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A9437