Extends the authority of the department of environmental conservation to manage blueback herring

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jessica Scarcella-Spanton

Extends DEC authority to regulate blueback herring in New York through December 31, 2029, enabling continued management and protections.

ADVANCED TO THIRD READING

Summary of Bill S. 10041 (2025-2026) – Extends the authority of the Department of Environmental Conservation to manage blueback herring

Purpose and intent

The bill extends the authority of the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to regulate and manage blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis) in the state.

Specifically, it prolongs the period during which DEC may exercise regulatory authority over blueback herring, aligning with ongoing conservation and management goals for the species.

Key provisions and changes

Amends Environmental Conservation Law § 13-0339-a, paragraph g, to extend the management authority for blueback herring through December 31, 2029.

The current interim language previously set a different end date (as amended by prior law, chapter 313 of 2023). The bill updates the end date to December 31, 2029.

Effective date: The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Affected entities and outcomes

State agency: New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) gains/maintains explicit authority to regulate and manage blueback herring through 12/31/2029.

Stakeholders potentially impacted include:

Commercial and recreational fisheries that harvest blueback herring.
Upstream and downstream users and industries relying on the species.
Conservation groups concerned with blueback herring populations and ecosystem health.

The provision implies continued DEC authority to set rules, quotas, seasons, licensing, and other management measures as needed to protect the species and support sustainable use.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and sponsor: Introduced in the Senate by Senator Scarcella-Spanton (at the request of DEC); co-sponsored by Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton.

Legislative steps:

Referred to the Senate Committee on Environmental Conservation (April 24, 2026).
Actions recorded: 1st and 2nd committee reports in May 2026.
The act is to take effect immediately upon enactment.

The bill is a targeted extension of an existing management framework rather than a broad regulatory overhaul.

Practical implications

By extending DEC’s management window for blueback herring, New York can continue monitoring populations, implementing harvest restrictions or protections, and adjusting regulations in response to ecological data through 2029.

The change provides regulatory stability for stakeholders planning fisheries activities within the extended period.

If you’d like, I can add context on the status of blueback herring conservation in New York or compare this extension to similar provisions for other species.