Governor Hochul Signs Summer Recreation Legislative Package Ahead of July 4 Holiday Weekend

Press Release

Governor Kathy Hochul today signed a legislative package related to summer recreational activities ahead of the July 4th holiday weekend. The legislative package includes law that ensure proper regulation for summer activities such as boat rentals, fishing, and recreational shellfish harvesting.

"As we prepare for the holiday weekend, I'm proud to sign legislation to ensure summer activities like boating and fishing are safe and accessible for all New Yorkers," Governor Hochul said. "I encourage New Yorkers and tourists alike to enjoy all the summer recreation activities the Empire State has to offer in a safe and responsible way. New York's fisheries are a critical part of our ecosystem, and this legislation will ensure that the Department Of Environmental Conservation will continue to oversee its health."

Legislation (S.8955/A.9978) extends provisions which allow individuals over the age of 18 to lease watercrafts without a boating safety license, provided that they are monitored by operators. This legislation helps supports our tourism industry by allowing operators to lease watercraft to people vacationing in New York.

Legislation (S.9302/A.10166), (S.9301/A.10160), and (S.9306/A.10177) extends the Department of Environmental Conservation's ability to regulate fish, oysters, and clams respectively to ensure the Department can continue to protect the State's natural resources. This regulation includes open seasons, size and catch limits, and manner of taking of all species of fish in State waters, as well as catch and possession limits, seasonal restrictions, management areas, or other measures for oysters and clams.

Senator Rachel May said, "As many of us head to one of New York's beautiful lakes to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing and outdoor activities, it's important we be responsible stewards of wildlife and the environment. I thank Governor Hochul for signing my bill to allow the Department of Environmental Conservation to do just that by managing the number and type of fish taken out of lakes. This will ensure that those who fish and enjoy lake activities will be able to do so for years to come."

State Senator John Mannion said, "Nothing says Fourth of July in Syracuse like a family clambake - and I'm thrilled Governor Hochul has signed into law my bill that expands clamming and oystering opportunities in New York waters. This legislation gives DEC the authority to manage these shellfish populations while providing new ways for our residents to enjoy this time-honored tradition."

Assemblymember Steven Otis said, "The continued work of the Department of Environmental Conservation in supporting our fishing and shellfish resources is very important to New York's economy, tourism and recreational life. Governor Hochul and all of our state agencies are working to strengthen these important assets."

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