Extends the authority of the department of environmental conservation to manage sharks

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Pat Fahy

Extends DEC authority to regulate sharks in New York through 12/31/2029, enabling state rules on size, catch, seasons, areas, and gear aligned with ASMFC and federal plans.

ADVANCED TO THIRD READING

Summary of Bill S. 10061 (2025-2026, New York)

Purpose and intent

The bill extends the authority of the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to manage sharks within the state.

It authorizes DEC-regulated shark management measures through December 31, 2029, providing a longer statutory window for regulation beyond prior limits.

Key provisions and changes

Amends Environmental Conservation Law, Section 13-0338, subdivision 4.

DEC may, by regulation, establish comprehensive shark management measures, including:

Size limits
Catch and possession limits
Open and closed seasons
Closed areas
Restrictions on methods of taking and landing
Requirements for permits and eligibility
Recordkeeping requirements
Limits or requirements on fishing effort and gear
Regulations relating to transportation, possession, and sale of sharks

All such regulations must be:

Not less restrictive than current requirements in this chapter
Consistent with applicable fisheries management plans adopted by:
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC)
Federal fisheries management plans under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. § 1800 et seq.)

Effective period: regulatory authority is extended through December 31, 2029.

Who/what is affected

Entities engaged in shark fishing and related activities in New York waters (commercial and recreational fishers, vendors, transporters, and gear suppliers).

DEC regulatory staff and enforcement.

Stakeholders following ASMFC or federal FMP guidelines for sharks, ensuring state regulations align with regional and national management plans.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The bill was introduced by Senator Fahy at the request of DEC.

Legislative status: advanced through committees and put on Third Reading as of May 2026.

Effective date: immediate upon enactment.

Sunset/expiration: authority to regulate sharks extended to December 31, 2029.

Practical implications

Provides DEC with a formal, time-limited regulatory framework to manage sharks, enabling conservation and sustainable harvest practices within New York waters.

Ensures state regulations remain in alignment with regional (ASMFC) and federal management strategies.

Keeps options open for updates to management measures based on ongoing stock assessments and ecosystem considerations.

If you’d like, I can compare this proposal to existing shark management rules in New York or summarize relevant ASMFC/federal plan references that DEC would need to comply with.