Effective May 11th, 2022, the minimum size limit for whelk (sea snails) is 5½ inches shell length or 2¼ inches shell height for all marine waters of New York State except Long Island Sound Region (LIS).
Effective August 1st, 2022, the minimum size limit for whelk in LIS is 4 ¾ inches shell length or 1 15/16 inches shell height. Shell length will increase by ¼ inch every other year through 2028 to coordinate with Connecticut.
The LIS includes all marine and coastal district waters lying east of the Throgs Neck Bridge and west of a line that runs from Orient Point, NY to Watch Hill, RI.
Additional regulations changes:
- A bait saving device is required to contain horseshoe crabs or horseshoe crab parts used for bait in whelk pots or traps.
- Establishes gear marking requirements consistent with New York State commercial crab and lobster fisheries.
- A buoy line must be constructed so that the line does not float at the surface, such as a sinking line or weighted line.
- Whelk pots or traps cannot exceed a volume larger than 22,950 cubic inches.
- Whelk cannot be taken by whelk pots or traps one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise.
- Whelk pots or traps cannot be placed within 25 feet of designated navigation channels.
- Clarification that marine and coastal district food fish and crustacea dealers and shippers license holders must report purchases of marine food fish, crustacea, horseshoe crabs, and whelks from harvesters consistent with requirements currently in place in 6 NYCRR Parts 40 and 44.
The complete text of the new regulations can be found on DEC’s website. Contact Kim McKown at kim.mckown@dec.ny.gov or (631) 444-0454 for additional information or questions regarding the regulations.
Map of Long Island Sound Management Region and NY Bight Management Region provided.
Leave a Reply