BILL NUMBER: S9318
SPONSOR: MARTINEZ
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to
extending the authority of the department of environmental conservation
to manage American lobster; and to amend chapter 305 of the laws of 2013
amending the environmental conservation law, relating to the management
of American lobster, in relation to the effectiveness thereof
 
PURPOSE OF THE BILL:
The purpose of this bill is to extend the authority of the Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC) to manage American lobster; and to
amend chapter 305 of the laws of 2013 amending the environmental conser-
vation law, relating to the management of American lobster, in relation
to the effectiveness thereof.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 of this bill amends Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) §
13-0329(16) to extend, until December 31, 2027, DEC's authority to adopt
regulations to implement conservation measures that affect take,
possession and landings of lobsters (Homarus americanus), consistent
with the recommendations of the respective Area's Lobster Conservation
Management Team as required by the Interstate Fishery Management Plan
(FMP) for American Lobster adopted by the Atlantic States Marine Fisher-
ies Commission (ASMFC).
Section 2 of this bill amends section 6 of chapter 305 of the laws of
2013 to extend for 3 years DEC's authority to regulate seasons,
size/catch limits, and taking for lobster in ASMFC Area 6.
Section 3 is the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
DEC's regulatory authority for lobster is necessary in order to protect
these fisheries for the benefit of those who rely on them for recre-
ational opportunities and income, and to maintain the sustainability of
these fisheries so that they are available for future generations.
This bill would extend DEC's regulatory authority for lobster to ensure
that DEC continues to be able to maintain compliance with any applicable
federal management plan or Interstate FMP adopted by the ASMFC.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
DEC's regulatory authority was last extended by Chapter 122 of the Laws
of 2021.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.