Staten Island Angler Caught Illegally Taking Fish at Great Kills Park
A Staten Island angler recently found themselves in hot water with the law after illegally taking fish out of the waters of Great Kills Park, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The incident occurred during a fishing compliance sweep on July 20, when state Environmental Conservation Officer Kyle Farner responded to reports of anglers keeping undersized fluke at the park.
Upon arriving at the scene, Officer Farner discovered a garbage bag hidden behind a log on the beach. Inside the bag were a total of 14 fluke, ranging in size from 12 to 17 inches, which is below the legal size limit of 19 inches set by the DEC. Additionally, the bag contained more fish than the legal bag limit of three per day.
The angler responsible for the illegal activity, whose name was not released, eventually admitted to keeping the fish, according to the DEC. As a result, the angler received two tickets – one for possession of undersized fluke and another for taking more fish than legally allowed. The case has not yet gone to court, so information on ticket costs and potential punishments is not available at this time.
DEC’s Efforts to Protect Natural Resources
In response to the incident, DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar emphasized the agency’s commitment to protecting natural resources and enforcing environmental conservation laws. He highlighted the efforts of Environmental Conservation Police Officers and Investigators who work tirelessly across the state to hold poachers and polluters accountable while promoting the safe and responsible enjoyment of the outdoors.
In 2023, the DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement received over 101,500 calls, leading to environmental conservation police officers and investigators responding to more than 30,932 complaints. These cases resulted in nearly 16,900 tickets or arrests for various violations, including deer poaching, solid waste dumping, illegal mining, the illegal pet trade, and excessive emissions violations.
Moving Forward
As the DEC continues to work with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to ensure compliance with environmental conservation laws, it is essential for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to familiarize themselves with regulations and guidelines to protect natural resources and preserve the environment for future generations. By following the rules and regulations set forth by the DEC, individuals can enjoy recreational activities responsibly while contributing to the conservation of New York’s diverse ecosystems.
