Revised Fishing Regulations for Shad

In order to achieve a balance in supporting an important Hudson River fishery, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released revised emergency regulations and revised proposed permanent regulations for the taking of American shad. Based on extensive public comments received about regulations issued earlier this year, DEC has implemented a recreational catch limit of one American shad per day–a limit that should sustain the fishery in the Hudson River and New York’s marine district. This change is effective immediately. The commercial restrictions implemented in March 2008 remain in effect and are now being proposed for permanent adoption with no revisions.

In addition to changes to the recreational catch limit for American shad, effective immediately, DEC has created a new recreational season for hickory shad. The new season will run from August 1 through November 30, and the recreational catch limit for hickory shad is five fish per day.

Comprehensive Approach

DEC will continue to monitor American and hickory shad populations to determine if the restrictions are allowing shad populations to recover

The revised regulations are consistent with several steps being taken by New York State to help restore the Hudson River’s shad populations. In May 2008, Governor David A. Paterson announced a new set of initiatives aimed at developing a better understanding of the Hudson River estuary ecosystem and restoring American shad and other fish species. This comprehensive program addresses several needs that are expected to help rebuild fish stocks, assess the potential causes of fishery decline and examine other aspects of the river’s ecosystem to determine the river’s health and ways to improve it.

The duration of these restrictions will depend on the results of continued annual stock monitoring and evaluation. If young shad production remains low or declines within the next year, DEC will consider further restrictions. If the production of young increases and remains high for at least five years, DEC will consider relaxing restrictions.

Public Comments

While the more recent emergency restrictions are in place, DEC is proposing to make them permanent. A draft proposal appeared in the State Register late last month, and the public comment period will end on Friday, July 25, 2008. Comments can be e-mailed to r3hrf@gw.dec.state.ny.us or sent by postal mail to Kathy Hattala, NYSDEC-Hudson River Fisheries Unit, 21 South Putt Corners Rd., New Paltz, NY 12561.

<!–By allowing a daily take of one American shad per person==which will not significantly affect the shad population==DEC is acknowledging the valuable contributions that recreational anglers make as stewards of our natural resources.The emergency restrictions for American shad are effective immediately. These temporary limits on the recreational catch may be made permanent–>