Albany, NY (WIBX) - Anglers looking for blackfish are being made aware of new regulations issued by the Department of Environmental Conservation.
According to the DEC, the rules, which have been in place since May, are meant to assist the agency in rebuilding blackfish populations, while still allowing plenty of  opportunities to fish.

This year, the recreational blackfish season will be cut by 115 days, running from October 5th until December 14th. Minimum fish size has also increased to 16 inches.

For commercial fishers, there are no season changes, but  fish must now be 15 inches or longer to be acceptable.

DEC officials are also reminding prospective anglers to have an up-to-date Recreational Marine Fishing Registration before dropping a line in the state's salt water areas. There is no fee to renew the registration.

New York is a member of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and is required to take actions to keep blackfish populations growing and to prevent over-harvesting.

More information can be found on the ASMFC website and on the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council site.

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