Legislative Package to Further Protections of Vital Marine Animals & Wildlife

A shot of Chestnut Ridge Park, home to many species of wildlife, in Orchard Park, New York.Photo byPhoto by J.M. Lesinski

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul recently approved a legislative package aimed at protecting vital wildlife and marine animal populations across New York state via continued regulation through the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

“As we kick off the summer in New York State, I’m signing legislation to continue protecting the wildlife that makes our state so special,” Hochul stated of the legislation. “Our animal populations are at the center of industry and culture for much of our state and serve an intrinsic purpose for all of us – we must take every measure necessary to protect them.”

The first component of the package, legislation S.9341/A.10072, empowers the DEC to limit the use of more humane, non-stainless steel non-offset circle hooks for the fishing of sharks, moving away from other hook types have been known to mortally wound sharks that get away. 

“The dwindling shark population worldwide is attributable to overfishing and harmful stainless-steel hooks that maul these marine creatures or cause them grave internal damage,” noted New York State Senator Pete Harckham of the legislation. “I thank Governor Hochul for signing my bill that requires inline or non-offset circular hooks that are made of non-stainless-steel material for commercial and recreational shark fishing. This will reduce needless shark mortality and put New York State in compliance with regional efforts to manage coastal shark fishing and support conservation-minded anglers.”

Legislation S.9367/A.10074 officially extends the stated provisions of the Environmental Conservation Law, which allows the annual federal regulations to set New York state’s migratory game bird hunting seasons and bagging limits, unless New York state adopts other regulations.

“As we see more species challenged by the dual threats of climate change and habitat loss, I applaud Governor Hochul for ensuring the Department of Environmental Conservation has the authority and tools it needs to protect vital marine life and other wildlife,” New York State Assemblymember Deborah J. Glick commented of the legislation. “New York is fortunate to have such diverse areas of the state that are home to different types of species each requiring careful monitoring and management to guarantee their continued well being. These measures are vital to maintain healthy ecosystems & support strong populations of these animals.”

Final components of the legislative package include legislations S.9319/A.10206, S.9318/A.10347, S.9320/A.10348, S.9340/A.10349, and S.9317/A.10073, which extend the DEC’s authority to manage the following wildlife and marine animals: American lobster, striped bass, monkfish, deer, bear, and scallops. 

“By enhancing this regulatory authority, we are safeguarding the livelihoods of those who depend on these fisheries for both recreational and economic purposes,” remarked New York State Senator Monica R. Martinez of the legislation. “More importantly, we are committing to the sustainability of our fisheries, ensuring they remain vibrant and accessible for future generations. I extend my gratitude to Governor Hochul for signing this bill into law and taking a significant step towards protecting our valuable marine resources.”