Hochul signs summer recreation legislative package ahead of July 4th weekend

ALBANY, N.Y. (WHEC) – Governor Kathy Hochul signed a legislative package on Friday related to summer recreational activities ahead of the July 4th holiday weekend.

The legislative package includes laws that ensures proper regulation for summer activities such as boat rentals, fishing, and recreational shellfish harvesting.

"As we prepare for the holiday weekend, I’m proud to sign legislation to ensure summer activities like boating and fishing are safe and accessible for all New Yorkers," Governor Hochul said. "I encourage New Yorkers and tourists alike to enjoy all the summer recreation activities the Empire State has to offer in a safe and responsible way. New York’s fisheries are a critical part of our ecosystem, and this legislation will ensure that the Department Of Environmental Conservation will continue to oversee its health."

Legislation (S.8955/A.9978) extends provisions that allow individuals over the age of 18 to lease watercrafts without a boating safety license, provided that they are monitored by operators. This legislation helps supports our tourism industry by allowing operators to lease watercraft to people vacationing in New York.

Legislation (S.9302/A.10166), (S.9301/A.10160), and (S.9306/A.10177) extends the Department of Environmental Conservation’s ability to regulate fish, oysters, and clams respectively to ensure the Department can continue to protect the State’s natural resources. This regulation includes open seasons, size and catch limits, and manner of taking of all species of fish in State waters, as well as catch and possession limits, seasonal restrictions, management areas, or other measures for oysters and clams.

State Senator John Mannion said, "Nothing says Fourth of July in Syracuse like a family clambake – and I’m thrilled Governor Hochul has signed into law my bill that expands clamming and oystering opportunities in New York waters. This legislation gives DEC the authority to manage these shellfish populations while providing new ways for our residents to enjoy this time-honored tradition."