NY A11040

Extends the licensing period for commercial food fish, lobster, crab, and whelk or conch licenses from December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2019, with limits established for 2018 and 2019.

Sets annual license limits for 2018 based on 2017 issuances plus fifty percent of the difference between 2017 issuances and specified targets (969 for food fish, 563 for crab, 252 for whelk or conch), with 2019 limits matching the 2018 levels.

Restricts commercial lobster permits and marine/coastal district party and charter boat licenses to only those who held such licenses in the previous year during the 2018-2019 period.

Requires applicants for new licenses to be at least 16 years old, demonstrate $15,000 average annual income from commercial fishing over three consecutive years or complete an apprenticeship program, with priority given to apprenticeship completers when applications are received on the same day.

Takes effect December 31, 2018, allowing the Department of Environmental Conservation to promulgate necessary regulations before the effective date.