Extends the authority of the department of environmental conservation to manage black sea bass

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Larinda Hooks

DEC gains authority to regulate black sea bass in New York, aligning state rules with regional and federal plans through 2029.

DELIVERED TO SENATE

Summary of Bill A. 11168 (Session 2025-2026) – New York

Purpose and intent

The bill extends the authority of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to manage black sea bass (Centropristis striata) through regulation.

Specifically, it authorizes the DEC to set management measures for black sea bass through December 31, 2029, aligning state regulations with applicable regional and federal fishery management plans.

Key provisions

Amends Section 13-0340-f of the Environmental Conservation Law (ECL), as previously amended (ch. 314, L. 2023).

DEC may, by regulation, establish management measures for black sea bass, including:

Size limits
Catch and possession limits
Open and closed seasons
Closed areas
Restrictions on the manner of taking and landing
Permit requirements and eligibility
Recordkeeping requirements
Requirements related to fishing effort, gear types, transportation, possession, and sale

Any DEC regulations must be:

Not more restrictive than existing state law
Consistent with applicable fishery management plans of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC)
Consistent with applicable federal fishery management plans under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. § 1800 et seq.)

Effective date

The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Stakeholders and potential impact

Who is affected:

Commercial and recreational fishers targeting or incidentally catching black sea bass
Dealers and handlers involved in harvesting, transporting, and marketing black sea bass
State regulators and enforcement personnel implementing DEC regulations

Impact:

Provides DEC with codified authority to manage black sea bass within New York waters and under state jurisdiction, ensuring coordination with regional and federal management frameworks.
Aims to harmonize state regulations with ASMFC plans and federal Fishery Conservation and Management Act requirements, potentially affecting permitted gear, seasonality, catch limits, and reporting practices.
Could influence fishery economics, compliance obligations, and angler/dealer behavior through updated rules and permit/recordkeeping requirements.

Procedural and timeline notes

The bill was introduced by Assemblymember Hooks (at the request of DEC).

Legislative history indicates swift progression in May 2026, with passage in the Assembly and transmission to the Senate.

The intended regulatory authority extends through December 31, 2029, providing a multi-year window for implementing and adjusting management measures subject to federal and regional plans.

Bottom line

Bill A. 11168 formalizes and extends DEC authority to regulate black sea bass in New York, tying state actions to regional and federal fishery management plans, and covering comprehensive management tools (size, bag limits, seasons, gear, permits, and reporting) effective through 2029.