Establishes the authority of the department of environmental conservation to manage Atlantic bonito and false albacore
Summary
A10692 would amend the Environmental Conservation Law to authorize the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to adopt regulations for the management of Atlantic bonito and false albacore through December 31, 2029. The bill gives DEC broad rulemaking authority over these species, including setting size limits, catch and possession limits, open and closed seasons, closed areas, gear and effort restrictions, permit requirements, recordkeeping rules, and rules governing transportation, possession, and sale.
The bill also requires any regulations adopted under this authority to be no less restrictive than existing requirements in the chapter and to remain consistent with applicable fishery management plans adopted by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and under the federal Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The measure takes effect immediately, allowing DEC to begin managing these species without delay.
Impact
This bill would add a new section to the Environmental Conservation Law specifically addressing Atlantic bonito and false albacore, two migratory fish species. It expands DEC’s regulatory authority to manage harvest and commerce for these species, and it ties state rules to regional and federal fishery management frameworks. The practical effect is to give the state a temporary but explicit legal basis to impose conservation measures on anglers, commercial fishers, and others handling these fish.
Sentiment
The available legislative history suggests strong support and little opposition. The Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee approved the bill unanimously, and the Assembly floor passed it overwhelmingly with only one negative vote. The bill later passed the Senate, indicating broad bipartisan acceptance of the measure’s conservation and fisheries-management goals.
Contention
There is little evidence of major controversy in the available record. Any potential points of concern would likely center on the scope of DEC’s regulatory discretion and the possible effects of new limits on recreational and commercial fishing activity, including permits, seasons, gear restrictions, and sales rules. However, the near-unanimous votes suggest these issues did not generate significant opposition during consideration.