Bill
S 10044
The bill overhauls commercial fishing licenses in New York by implementing year-by-year caps through 2029 and adding income-based eligibility, apprenticeship routes, and new-entran
1) Commercial food fish licenses (Section 13-0328)
- Periods and caps:
- For January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2029, annual limits are established for resident and non-resident commercial food fish licenses.
- The cap for 2018 equals the 2017 license total plus 50% of the difference between 2017 total and 969.
- For 2019–2029, annual totals follow the same baseline structure as established in 2018 (i.e., remain at the level determined by the initial cap, not to exceed that baseline unless otherwise specified).
- New entrants (eligibility against supply):
- For 2026 through 2029, licenses can be issued to individuals who did not hold a license in the previous year, but only up to the remaining difference between the total license cap (from paragraph a) and the number issued under paragraph b (previous year licensees).
- Application sequencing:
- First-come basis, with tie-breakers giving priority to applicants who completed an apprenticeship (per subdivision seven) when received on the same day.
- Eligibility criteria:
- Applicants must be at least 16 years old.
- Applicants must demonstrate that they earned an average of at least $15,000 in income over three consecutive years from commercial fishing or fishing (as defined in the bill) or complete a commercial food fish apprenticeship.
- Income qualifying includes either traditional commercial fishing (sales of marine resources) or fishing activities (including carrying passengers for hire), with specifics on required licenses (e.g., party/charter boat license for income from fishing).
- Up to 10% of licenses issued for income-based eligibility may go to applicants whose income derives solely from operation or employment by a party or charter boat.
- Service by U.S. armed forces on active duty may be considered to improve eligibility, with specified discharge criteria and recognition of certain veteran classifications.
2) Commercial lobster permits (Section 13-0329)
- Limitation period: January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2029.
- Eligibility: Only persons who were issued a commercial lobster permit in the previous year may be issued such permit in the current year.
3) Commercial crab permits (Section 13-0331)
- Annual limits (January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2029) mirror the general structure used for food fish licenses, with a similar baseline cap calculation (2017 total plus 50% of the difference to a specified 563 cap, adjusted over years).
- New entrants:
- For 2026 through 2029, those who did not hold a crab permit in the previous year may obtain a permit, subject to the remaining license capacity after accommodating prior-year permit holders.
- Similar application and eligibility rules as for food fish licenses:
- First-come ordering with apprenticeship priority on ties.
- Eligibility for individuals aged 16+.
- Income-based qualification (average of at least $15,000 over three years from commercial fishing or fishing, plus apprenticeship option).
- Up to 10% of income-based permits may go to applicants qualifying solely on income from party/charter boats.
- Veterans considerations apply as with food fish licenses.
4) Marine and coastal district party and charter boat licenses (Section 13-0336)
- Allocation: For 2026 through 2029, the annual cap is set at 517 licenses.
- Eligibility:
- Prior-year license holders are eligible to receive the license again, subject to the 517 cap.
- New-entrant licenses may be issued to those who did not hold a license in the previous year, up to the cap.
- Issuance order is first-come, with priority to apprenticeship graduates when applications are received on the same day.
- Licenses require holders to have an Uninspected Passenger Vessel license from the U.S. Coast Guard.
- Eligible applicants must be 16 or older.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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