Senate Bill S8083

                                
 
BILL NUMBER: S8083

SPONSOR: LAVALLE
 
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:

To extend the provisions limiting the taking of sharks to the use of
non-stainless steel non-offset circle hooks.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 2 of Chapter 378 of the Laws of 2014 amending the environmental
conservation law relating to the taking of sharks, is amended to extend
the expiration date provision from December 31, 2020 to December 31,
2022

              

 
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 circular shape.  Scientific studies predict higher
survival rates for released fish when circle hooks and catch and release
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 of Chapter 378, however, the provisions are set to expire on
December 31, 2020. This legislation is necessary to extend the sunset
date until December 31, 2022 in order to continue the exclusive use of
non-stainless steel non-offset circle hooks when taking a shark for
commercial or recreational purposes while at the same time provide
further statistics on the overall effectiveness on the shark population.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately and shall expire and be deemed
repealed December 31, 2020.