As the Atlantic Hurricane season becomes more active, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today that the state has finalized a set of new provisions for seafaring vessels that are seeking safe harbor in New York ports during emergencies at sea.

“These new provisions will allow commercial fishing vessels seeking safe harbor to dock in New York ports without incurring penalties for violations of fishing rules and regulations,” said Commissioner Seggos. “As fishing quotas, limits and other requirements differ in states along the Atlantic Coast, New York’s new Safe Harbor Guidance grants amnesty to vessels that must pull into our harbors due to an emergency while licensed and fishing under another state’s requirements.”

The Safe Harbor Guidance provisions identify the specific circumstance under which commercial fishing vessels will be allowed to enter New York waters and ports, including mechanical breakdowns, unsafe weather conditions, loss off essential equipment, and significant medical emergencies. The guidance also indicates the steps a vessel should take to declare the need for safe harbor in New York during an emergency by calling DEC’s 24-hour dispatch at 1-844-DEC-ECOS (1-844-332-3267).

Under Safe Harbor Guidance, commercial fishing vessels will continue to be subject to inspection by the United States Coast Guard, and other federal and state agencies. Vessels must be in compliance with Federal Marine Fisheries Law and the law of the vessel’s home state, and will be inspected to ensure compliance with the licensing state’s fish possession limits.

This guidance was developed through a collaborative effort which included several meetings with representatives from New York’s commercial fishing community.  Recommendations provided at these meetings were instrumental in developing this final guidance. 

More information and copies of the guidance are available here http://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/107286.html.