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DEC Releases Proposed Regulation to Implement Black
Bass Fishing Tournament Permit and Reporting System
Published: April 12, 2024 at
09:45 a.m.
By: Press Release from NYS DEC
DEC Releases Proposed Regulation to Implement Black
Bass Fishing Tournament Permit and Reporting System
Public Comments Accepted through June 10
New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos has announced the release of a regulatory
proposal to implement a fishing tournament permit and reporting system for
black bass (largemouth bass and smallmouth bass). The no-cost black bass
tournament permitting and reporting system would help identify the distribution
and occurrence of black bass tournaments across the state.
“New York is a
national destination for black bass fishing tournaments thanks to the
quality of our bass fisheries,” Commissioner Seggos
said. “This proposal would require a free permit for bass
tournaments and help fisheries managers better understand tournament
activity in New York State, advancing efforts to ensure high quality black
bass fishing opportunities for all anglers.”
Black bass are
New York’s most sought-after freshwater sportfish. The number of black bass
fishing tournaments has increased significantly over time, but the overall
scope and scale of tournament activity in New York is currently unknown,
limiting the ability of DEC fisheries biologists to fully understand and
manage these important fisheries for the benefit of both tournament and
recreational anglers.
The information
derived from the free permit system would help DEC respond to issues such
as user conflicts, overuse of the resource, and concerns about fish
populations. Tournament catch data would also be used by fisheries biologist to further DEC’s understanding of black bass
fisheries for improved management. In addition, the proposed regulation
would allow for the listing of approved tournaments on DEC’s
website. Having this information publicly available would assist tournament
organizers with scheduling and inform recreational anglers about when and
where tournaments are held.
Highlights of the
proposal include:
- Requiring free permits for black bass fishing
tournaments held on or after Jan. 1, 2025;
- Defining a fishing tournament and a fishing
tournament director;
- Setting timeframes for permit applications,
report submissions, and DEC review; and
- Providing DEC with the ability to place
conditions on tournaments.
The full text and a summary of the proposed regulation are
available on DEC's website and additional information is available on
the Black Bass Fishing Tournament Permit webpage. DEC is
interested in anglers' viewpoints and encourages public feedback on this
proposal. Comments will be accepted through June 10, 2024, and can be
submitted via e-mail to regulations.fish@dec.ny.gov (subject:
"Fishing Tournament Permits Proposal Comments") or via mail to
the Inland Fisheries Section, NYSDEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4753.
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