Extends the authority of the department of environmental conservation to manage the American eel

2025 Regular Session

Extends DEC's authority to manage the American eel in New York waters through December 31, 2029, enabling continued conservation, permits, and harvest regulation.

REPORTED REFERRED TO RULES

Summary of Bill A 11352 (2025-2026) — Extends the authority of the Department of Environmental Conservation to manage the American eel

Purpose and intent

The bill amends the New York Environmental Conservation Law to extend the period during which the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has authority to manage the American eel (Anguilla rostrata).

Specifically, it prolongs DEC’s management authority for the American eel through December 31, 2029.

Key provisions and changes

Section 1: Amends paragraph b of subdivision 1 of section 13-0339-a of the Environmental Conservation Law, as previously amended by chapter 203 of the Laws of 2025.

The amended provision now states that the American eel is within the DEC’s management purview until December 31, 2029. This replaces the prior expiration date of December 31, 2026 (as reflected in the prior amendment).

Who or what would be affected

The DEC would retain and extend regulatory authority over the American eel in New York waters, including activities related to:

Conservation and management measures (e.g., permits, harvest controls, habitat protection) applicable to American eel populations.
Regulatory actions impacting commercial and recreational eel fisheries, as well as any related habitat or species protections under DEC oversight.

Stakeholders potentially affected include commercial harvesters, recreational fishermen, aquaculture and processing sectors, environmental organizations, researchers, and coastal/riverine communities dependent on eel populations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Effective date: The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Sunset extension: The DEC’s management authority for the American eel is extended to December 31, 2029. This is a temporary renewal, suggesting periodic re-evaluation or potential further extensions in future legislation.

Legislative trajectory: The bill was introduced by the Rules Committee at the request of the DEC and was referred to the Environmental Conservation Committee, then reported to Rules for consideration.

Practical implications

By extending DEC authority, the state can continue implementing and updating management measures for the American eel without gap, addressing conservation needs, population status, and ecosystem considerations.

The extension provides continuity for regulatory programs and compliance frameworks governing eel harvest, trade, and habitat protection, while allowing time for ongoing assessments or future policy adjustments.

If you’d like, I can add a brief background on the American eel’s conservation status in New York or summarize related DEC regulatory authorities to provide additional context.