Extends the authority of the department of environmental conservation to manage Atlantic Cod

2025 Regular Session Introduced by George Alvarez

The bill expands DEC authority to manage Atlantic Cod, enabling tailored regulations, monitoring, and enforcement to support stock recovery and sustainable harvest.

ADVANCED TO THIRD READING CAL.493

Summary of Bill A 11167 (2025-2026) – New York

Purpose and intent

The bill seeks to extend the authority of the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to manage Atlantic Cod. This implies giving DEC additional or clarified powers to regulate, conserve, and oversee cod fisheries within applicable state waters and possibly in coordination with federal management.

Key provisions and changes

Expand DEC’s mandate to manage Atlantic Cod populations, including development and enforcement of conservation measures.

Potential authorities likely to be included (based on typical management expansions):

Establishment or modification of fishing regulations specific to Atlantic Cod (seasonal closures, gear restrictions, catch limits, size limits).
Monitoring and reporting requirements for cod stocks and harvests.
Authority to implement emergency rules or adjustments in response to stock assessments or environmental concerns.
Coordination with state agencies, regional fisheries management organizations, and federal programs to ensure consistency in management.

The bill may also include provisions related to:

Enforcement mechanisms and penalties for violations of cod-specific rules.
Public notice, stakeholder engagement, and scientific advisory input in management decisions.
Budgetary or funding implications for DEC activities tied to cod management.

Who and what is affected

Primary entity affected: New York DEC, which would gain extended or clarified authority over Atlantic Cod management.

Other potential affected stakeholders:

Commercial and recreational fishermen targeting Atlantic Cod.
Fishing industries and supply chains dependent on cod harvests.
Coastal communities and economies affected by cod stock status and management measures.
Environmental and conservation groups interested in cod stock recovery and ecosystem-based management.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Action history:

Referred to the Environmental Conservation Committee on April 30, 2026.
Reported by the committee on May 5, 2026.
Advanced to third reading, calendar 493, on May 7, 2026.

Implications of progression:

The bill has moved through committee scrutiny toward final floor passage. If approved by the full chamber, it would proceed to the other house (Senate) per the usual legislative process, subject to eventual signature or veto by the Governor.

No specific effective date is provided in the summary; typically, any codified changes would specify an effective date (e.g., on enactment or a future date) in the bill text.

Practical considerations and potential impacts

Conservation impact: Expanded DEC authority could enhance stock assessment-driven management, potentially improving Atlantic Cod recovery or sustainable harvest levels.

Economic impact: New or adjusted regulations could affect fishing effort, landing limits, and profitability for cod fishers; industry stakeholders may need to adapt to new rules.

Implementation: DEC may need additional resources for enforcement, monitoring, and scientific analysis to support cod-specific management.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to focus on specific provisions once the exact bill text is available, including any numerical limits, dates, or regulatory mechanisms.