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# New York Weighs Recreational Atlantic Cod Possession Ban
- URL: https://www.theamericanquorum.com/state-news-new-york-2026-09-22-a/
- Published: 2026-09-22T18:29:20.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T18:29:20.000Z
- Description: New York is weighing a ban on recreational possession of Atlantic cod in state waters, aligning with a federal prohibition as regulators accept public comments through Sept. 28, 2026.
- Author: News Desk
- Tags: Policy, New York

New York environmental regulators are considering a ban on recreational possession of Atlantic cod in state waters, a proposal intended to bring state rules into line with a federal prohibition already governing offshore waters.

The Department of Environmental Conservation held a [virtual hearing](https://dec.ny.gov/get-involved/events/2026/9/public-hearing-notice-for-6-nycrr-part-40-will-prohibit-possession-of-atlantic-cod?ref=theamericanquorum.com) Tuesday on the proposed amendment to 6 NYCRR Part 40\. Written comments remain open until 5 p.m. Sept. 28\. DEC says New York is not legally required to mirror the federal rule, but different limits in adjoining waters can confuse anglers, complicate enforcement and weaken the conservation measure.

The proposal is narrow but consequential for saltwater anglers. The [draft language](https://dec.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2026-07/Text%5FNPR%5FCod.pdf?ref=theamericanquorum.com) would replace New York’s current recreational season, minimum-size rule and five-fish possession limit with a simple prohibition on possession. Existing rules allow cod from Sept. 1 through May 31, subject to a 23-inch minimum length.

DEC’s [impact statement](https://dec.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2026-07/RIS%5FNPR%5FCod.pdf?ref=theamericanquorum.com) says NOAA Fisheries prohibited recreational possession in federal waters through an emergency action effective May 1, 2025\. The state agency argues that extending the same standard to New York waters would aid enforcement and support recovery of the overfished stock. If adopted, the state rule would take effect when a notice of adoption is published in the State Register.

The immediate economic effect is expected to be limited. DEC estimates that anglers made about 20,000 trips per year targeting Atlantic cod over the most recent five-year period, less than 1 percent of the roughly 4 million annual trips aimed at striped bass. The agency says party and charter operators, marinas, and bait-and-tackle shops could lose some revenue, but most cod-directed trips already occur in federal waters, where the stricter rule is in force. DEC projects no new costs for state or local governments beyond limited outreach and administrative work.

The biological backdrop is more serious. [NOAA reports](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/atlantic-cod?ref=theamericanquorum.com) that Atlantic cod stocks in the region have declined sharply and remain below target levels. The federal agency identifies the Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank stocks as overfished and says fishing rates have been reduced to end overfishing. Cod are most common in those two areas, but their U.S. range extends south to Cape Hatteras.

NOAA’s management tools include annual catch limits, seasonal and year-round closures, minimum sizes and recreational possession rules. Federal scientists also note that recruitment—the number of young fish joining the population—has been below average for the Georges Bank stock, limiting rebuilding potential.

For New York anglers, the practical question is whether a fish caught in state waters may still be kept when possession is barred farther offshore. DEC’s proposal would remove that jurisdictional difference. It would not create a new reporting mandate, impose local-government requirements or change rules for other marine species in the same table.

The hearing and comment period precede a final agency decision. Until DEC formally adopts the amendment, New York’s existing cod season and size and possession limits remain the state rule. Anglers who want to comment must submit remarks to the Division of Marine Resources by the Sept. 28 deadline.