Legislature Passes Measure in Support of Commercial Fishermen

Senator Kenneth P. LaValle today announced that legislation he sponsored to protect the permits of commercial fishermen with large boats has passed both houses.  The Senator’s initiative would exempt certain commercial fishermen from having to comply with a 1997 statute that limited the length of commercial fishing vessels.

“The 1997 law was enacted to limit New York State fishing permits only to those vessels 70 feet or less,” said Senator LaValle.  “It was designed to prevent large out-of-state vessels from obtaining permits. 

“The measure I sponsored, modeled after federal law, allows owners of offshore vessels a one-time replacement boat up to 10 percent longer without the risk of losing their fishing permit.”

Senator LaValle noted that this measure has passed both houses and awaits the Governor’s approval.