Outgoing Third District Senator Zeldin Announces Signing of Bill to Permit Recreational Spearfishing in NY

Outgoing Third District Senator Zeldin Announces Signing of Bill to Permit Recreational Spearfishing in NY

ALBANY—Outgoing Third District Senator Lee Zeldin (R, C, I—Shirley) announced today that his bill to expand recreational fishing on Long Island was signed into law.

The bill, S. 3823, expands recreational spearfishing in New York's marine and coastal waters.

"Fishing is a popular pastime here on Long Island and spearfishing is just one of the many forms of recreational fishing," said Senator Zeldin. "I am proud to have introduced this legislation in the Senate, along with Assemblyman Thiele in his chamber, to permit spearfishing for New Yorkers. I thank Governor Cuomo and my colleagues in the legislature for supporting this commonsense measure."

Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr., the Assembly sponsor of the legislation noted, “It was a pleasure working with Senator Zeldin and the recreational spearfishing community to help clarify that the use of spearguns is allowed for the recreational taking of marine gamefish in New York. Through this bill we were able to help better define this sport and provide for protections.”

Bill Pfeiffer, editor of Northeast Dive News and retired president of the Long Island Divers Association said, “I would like to thank Assemblyman Thiele and Senator Zeldin, who were happy to meet with us and listen to our concerns. I also want to thank all of the divers and supporters who worked so hard behind the scenes to make sure the bill was passed. Spearfishing is the most selective and environmentally conscious form of harvest of marine fishes, and we are thrilled that we can continue to do so without fear of prosecution. This is truly a great day for New York divers and the environment.”

The bill becomes effective 90 days after being signed into law.

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