New bluefish recreational limits mean private vessel and shore-based anglers can keep three fish, and anglers from for-hire boats can keep five. There is no restriction on minimum size or season.
These regulations, officially adopted by New York State, are consistent with neighboring states and in federal waters, 3–200 nautical miles offshore, says the Department of Environmental Conservation.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had implemented these as temporary regulations in February, after overfishing was declared late last year.
The regulations follow the advice of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC), which jointly manage the Bluefish Fishery Management Plan. The two are jointly developing a Bluefish Allocation and Rebuilding Amendment.
They will consider adjusting allocations between sectors and states, the quota transfer process, and revising the Bluefish FMP objectives. For additional information and action updates, visit MAFMC’s website.
The DEC recommends that anglers check the Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations for the most up to date limits and seasons, and enroll in New York’s free Marine Recreational Fishing Registry.
The registry is required when fishing in New York’s marine and coastal district waters or the Hudson River and its tributaries for “migratory fish of the sea”.
The DEC also encourages anglers to purchase sporting licenses online at this time. Anglers may use their privileges immediately by simply carrying their transaction number (DEC-LS#) with them.
