New York Suspends Saltwater Fishing License

Sport Anglers Do Not Need To Purchase Licenses for 2011

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today that a recreational marine fishing license is no longer required to fish in the marine district of New York, including fishing for migratory fish from the sea (e.g. striped bass) on the Hudson River below the Troy Dam
.
The DEC reminds anglers that they should not attempt to purchase licenses through DECALS, the online license sales system. DEC has also notified its 1,500 license sales agents that the saltwater fishing license should no longer be sold.

Legislation included in the final state budget directs DEC to establish a no-fee registry to take the place of the marine license. DEC expects to have the new registry in place in early June. In the interim, saltwater anglers may fish without a marine license and without registering with DEC.

The new law also directs DEC to provide refunds to holders of a lifetime recreational marine fishing license. Refunds are expected to be sent out during this calendar year. Information on how to apply for a refund will be announced at a later date. There are no provisions in the newly enacted legislation to refund other marine license fees.