As summer approaches, many people enjoy fishing or clam digging at the beach, but it is important to adhere to relevant regulations to avoid the risk of having catches confiscated, facing fines, or even having to appear in court. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) released enforcement reports on July 3, detailing multiple instances of illegal fishing activities in Suffolk County, Long Island, towards the end of June. Some violators were caught digging clams in prohibited areas, fishing at night, and possessing fish that did not meet size regulations, resulting in multiple citations issued by environmental conservation officers.
On the night of June 24, two environmental conservation officers received a tip-off about three men wearing headlamps engaged in clam digging operations in Centerport, Huntington Township, Suffolk County. The area where they were operating is designated as a no-harvest zone for shellfish, and according to state law, shellfish harvesting is prohibited from sunset to sunrise. Upon their return to their vehicle, the officers inspected their catch, finding them in possession of horseshoe crabs, blue crabs, and nearly 400 hard clams, with some clams not meeting the legal size limit. All three individuals were fined for fishing in an uncertified water area and possessing undersized hard clams.
On the same evening, DEC officials conducted vessel patrols off Eaton’s Neck in Huntington Township, inspecting eight vessels and issuing multiple citations for violations, including catching striped bass, blackfish, summer flounder, and scup that did not meet size regulations. The confiscated fish were released on the spot. Additionally, officials discovered an unregistered vessel, which violated state navigation laws and lacked mandatory emergency signaling equipment.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation reminds the public that hard clams are considered recreational catches, with a daily limit of 100 clams per person and compliance with size regulations. To find out about legal shellfish harvesting areas, individuals can refer to the “Public Shellfish Map” provided by the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation at the following link: [https://shorturl.at/ZDbBo](https://shorturl.at/ZDbBo).