NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A7436
SPONSOR: McMahon TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to
extending the authority of the department of environmental conservation
to restrict the taking of fish, shellfish and crustacea in special
management areas
PURPOSE OF THE BILL:
The purpose of this bill is to extend the authority of the Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC) to adopt regulations restricting the
taking of fish, shellfish, and crustacea in Special Management Areas.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 of this bill amends Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) §
13-0360(3) to extend, until December 31, 2026, DEC's authority to adopt
regulations restricting the taking of fish, shellfish, and crustacea in
any designated Special Management Area.
Section 2 of this bill provides that the bill shall take effect imme-
diately.
JUSTIFICATION:
Protection of the State's valuable reef ecosystems is an integral part
of the overall management of the marine resources of the marine and
coastal district. As defined in law, these Special Management Areas are
composed of artificial reefs as well as shipwrecks which provide habitat
and safe havens for fish, shellfish and crustacea. DEC's authority to
adopt regulations restricting the taking of fish, shellfish and crusta-
cea in these areas must be extended by December 31, 2023 to assure the
continuation of protective measures for reef fisheries.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
Last extended by Chapter 58 of the Laws of 2020.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.
