First Big Update for Protected New York Fish Since 1999

The New York Department of Environmental Conservation recently shared a major announcement. For the first time in over 30 years, there are new rules on which local fish are protected... and which ones are not.

The NYS DEC has a long list of responsibilities, and when they're not catching poachers or rescuing hikers, many of their activities are focused on fish.

The NYS DEC announced new changes to their endangered and protected species list for the first time since 1999 (NYS DEC via Facebook)

Fish Management by NYS DEC

New York residents may have recently seen one of the DEC's "fishmobiles" as they restock local streams and ponds, or even officers confiscating (and donating) undersized fish from local markets. After the new updates, DEC responsibilities will shift slightly.

New Changes to New York's Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern Species

The changes in New York's list of fish that are endangered, threatened, or of special concern mean that while some species have been added, others have rebounded enough that they no longer need extra protections, as the DEC explains below.

Recovered Fish Populations in New York State

In a fun coincidence, some of the best-named fish in New York are also the ones who no longer need protection. The bluebreast darter, Eastern sand darter, and round whitefish are just some of the species that have seen impressive population recoveries.

New York Fish Species Now Receiving Protection

On the other side of the coin, some species that used to have healthy numbers in New York waters now need special care. From the DEC:

Species such as burbot, lake whitefish, several minnow species, and longnose sucker are declining due to the introduction of invasive species and habitat loss. Management strategies for those that are imperiled in some way are being developed.

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From mollusks and fish to amphibians and reptiles, the number of protected species is still long in New York. Review the full list here, and check out their enemies (AKA invasive species) below.

5 of New York's Most Devastating Invasive Species

Here are 5 species that have invaded New York State and in some cases they must be killed. We are talking about fish that walk on land, plants that cause severe burns and insects that could wipe out a variety of crops that we rely on.

Keep an eye out for these species and you hike, work around the yard or do some fishing this year. Should you locate any of these it is important to report where and when you found them to the New York State DEC.

Gallery Credit: Karolyi

New York State's Invasive Plants To Be On The Lookout For

These seven invasive plants have become a nuisance to the wildlife and people living in New York State. Learn more about them and how to remove them at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation here.