BILL NUMBER: S9341
SPONSOR: HARCKHAM
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend chapter 378 of the laws of 2014 amending the environ-
mental conservation law relating to the taking of sharks, in relation to
the expiration thereof
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To extend the provisions limiting the taking of sharks to the use of
non-stainless steel non-offset circle hooks.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section I of this bill would amend Section 2 of Chapter 378 of the Laws
of 2014, amending the Environmental Conservation Law relating to the
taking of sharks, to extend the expiration date provision from December
31, 2024, to December 31, 2026.
Section 2 of this bill provides that the bill shall take effect imme-
diately.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Several species of sharks are endangered and many more are threatened as
populations worldwide are dwindling. Chapter 378 of the Laws of 2014 was
enacted as a means of providing for the further protection of sharks by
requiring the exclusive use of non-stainless steel non-offset circle
hooks when taking a shark for commercial or recreational purposes. A
circle hook is a fishing hook by which the point is turned perpendicular
to the shank to form a circular shape . Scientific studies predict high-
er survival rates for released fish when circle hooks and catch-and-re-
lease techniques are used, as circle hooks are more likely to hook a
fish in the mouth rather than the gut. Circle hooks are easier to remove
than the typically used J hook, and can reduce the potential harm to
fish. Non-stainless hooks further enhance survival rates as they
dissolve in the digestive system, especially in large predator fish like
sharks.
Evidence has shown that the fishing industry has been receptive and
supportive the Chapter 378, however, the provisions are set to expire on
December 31, 2022. This legislation is necessary to extend the sunset
date until December 31, 2024, in order to continue the exclusive use of
non-stainless steel non-offset circle hooks when taking a shark for
commercial or recreational purposes.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2021-22: Chapter 303 of the Laws of 2022.
2019-20 : Chapter 58 of the Laws of 2020.
2017-18 : Chapter 427 of the Laws of 2018.
2015-16: Chapter 121 of the Laws of 2016.
 
BUDGET IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.