The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Division of Law Enforcement recently conducted compliance checks on Long Island and discovered individuals illegally catching striped bass before the official start of the season on April 15. ECO Brent McCarthy witnessed multiple anglers keeping the out-of-season fish instead of releasing them back into the water, leading to the involvement of ECO Christopher DeRose and his K-9, Cramer, to locate the hidden catches. A total of 16 striped bass were found buried under sand, logs, and brush piles, resulting in ticketing for seven individuals for taking striped bass during the closed season.
Following this incident, another ECO, Lawrence Pabes, responded to a report about anglers stashing striped bass on the Bayville Bridge in Mill Neck ahead of the season opener. After discovering seven striped bass hidden inside traffic cones on the bridge, tickets were issued to three subjects for illegal possession of fish during the closed season and failure to carry marine registry. Subsequent complaints in Suffolk and Nassau County on April 8 and 9 led to the seizure of 10 more striped bass and ticketing for seven individuals for possession of out-of-season striped bass, as well as three for failing to possess a marine registry.
DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar emphasized the relentless efforts of Environmental Conservation Police Officers and Investigators in protecting natural resources and public safety, holding poachers and polluters accountable, and promoting safe and responsible enjoyment of the outdoors. The DEC announced updated regulations for striped bass caught in the Hudson River and other streams north of the George Washington Bridge, allowing catches only if they measure between 23 and 28 inches in length. This updated regulation went into effect immediately.
The New York State DEC has been diligently working to protect and preserve fish and wildlife since its establishment in 1970, responding to over 101,500 calls in 2023 and resulting in nearly 16,900 tickets or arrests for violations ranging from deer poaching to solid waste dumping. The officers involved in the recent ticketing incidents had no further comment. The DEC encourages compliance with New York’s stringent environmental conservation laws and collaboration with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to ensure the enforcement of regulations and the enjoyment of the outdoors.
Despite the challenges posed by poachers engaging in creative methods to conceal illegal catches, the DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement continues its efforts to combat violations and protect natural resources. The recent incidents of individuals catching striped bass out of season highlight the importance of enforcement and oversight in maintaining the integrity of fishing regulations and preserving fish populations. By cracking down on illegal fishing activities, the DEC aims to prevent further harm to marine ecosystems and promote sustainable fishing practices for the benefit of future generations.
