Albany, NY — State Senator Erik Bottcher today announced that Governor Kathy Hochul has signed into law two bills he sponsored to protect vulnerable marine species and ensure responsible management of New York’s fisheries.

The new laws, S10071 and S10072, extend the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) authority to manage whelk, conch, and winter flounder through December 31, 2029.

Winter flounder were once abundant throughout the Northeast. In the Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic stock that includes New York, commercial landings fell from 22.6 million pounds in 1981 to approximately 167,772 pounds in 2024 — a decline of more than 99%. Recreational landings, which reached 18.5 million pounds in 1984, totaled just 4,409 pounds in 2024. While landings are not a direct measure of population, scientists report that the number of young fish entering the population remains near historic lows.

New York’s whelk fishery has also faced significant pressure. Whelk — commonly known as conch and familiar to many New Yorkers as scungilli — became an increasingly important commercial fishery following the collapse of the Long Island Sound lobster population in the late 1990s. As fishing effort shifted toward whelk, surveys subsequently showed troubling declines in Long Island Sound and Peconic Bay. Given the late age and large size at which these animals reach maturity, concerns remain about overharvesting in the absence of minimum size limits to protect the stock.

“These numbers show why responsible fisheries management matters,” said Senator Erik Bottcher. “Winter flounder once supported a thriving fishery in our region, but commercial landings have fallen by more than 99 percent from their peak. Whelk in Long Island Sound have also shown troubling signs of depletion. These laws ensure DEC has the tools to protect these species while supporting the fishermen, businesses and coastal communities that depend on healthy fisheries. I thank Governor Hochul for signing these measures.”

“Governor Hochul’s leadership continues to advance smart, science-based protections for New York’s marine resources while supporting the communities and industries that depend on them,” said Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “By signing these bills, Governor Hochul ensures DEC has the continued authority needed to protect vulnerable winter flounder and whelk population from further decline and support the long-term sustainability of New York’s historic commercial fishing industry. We thank Senator Erik Bottcher for championing this important legislation.”

“Extending the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s authority to manage whelk, conch, and winter flounder populations through 2029 is a big win for our small aquatic neighbors and an important step in ensuring our coastal communities – where the environment is the economy – can thrive for generations to come,” said Alisha Deen-Steindler, Legislative Advocate, New York League of Conservation Voters. “We applaud Governor Hochul for her commitment to protecting biodiversity and the state’s marine resources, and Senator Bottcher for his leadership in getting this legislation over the finish line – it’s no surprise to see him hit the ground running in Albany in such an impactful way.”

The laws allow DEC to continue setting science-based rules governing size and catch limits, harvesting seasons, fishing gear, permits, reporting and other measures designed to prevent overharvesting. Without legislative action, this authority would have expired at the end of 2026.

Protecting New York’s Whelk Fishery

S10071 extends DEC’s authority to manage whelk and conch through 2029. New York’s whelk fishery is concentrated around Long Island Sound and other Long Island coastal waters.

Whelk are particularly vulnerable to overharvesting because females must grow to a relatively large size before reaching reproductive maturity. DEC uses minimum-size and other requirements to give whelk an opportunity to reproduce before they can legally be harvested.

Safeguarding Winter Flounder

S10072 extends DEC’s authority to manage winter flounder through 2029. Winter flounder inhabit Long Island Sound, New York Harbor, the Hudson-Raritan Estuary and Long Island’s coastal waters.

Today, New York recreational anglers are permitted to keep only two winter flounder per day during the April 1 through May 30 season, with a 12-inch minimum size. DEC’s continuing authority allows New York to adjust these protections as scientific information and regional conservation requirements change.

With Governor Hochul’s signature, DEC’s authority to manage both fisheries will continue through December 31, 2029.

About Senator Erik Bottcher

Senator Erik Bottcher represents New York State Senate District 47, spanning Christopher Street to 103rd Street in Manhattan, and serves as Chair of the Senate Committee on Cities 1.