Mangano Praises NYS Repeal Of Saltwater Fishing License Requirement

Nassau Coastal Waterways Now Free of Charge for Recreational Fishermen

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano today praised Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature for repealing the onerous law that required recreational fisherman to purchase a license to fish in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Nassau County. For the next two years, those wishing to fish in the coastal waters will be able to register for free in a New York State database, which will fully comply with certain federal fishing regulations.

“This is great news for recreational fishermen in Nassau County,” said County Executive Mangano. “For years, they have been forced to pay what is essentially an unfair tax, and I am pleased that they will no longer be burdened by these extra fees. This is a wonderful start to the fishing season and I invite fishing fans from all over to come and enjoy Nassau’s beautiful coastline.”

Governor Andrew Cuomo’s budget immediately repealed the saltwater fishing license, which means New York State anglers will avoid having to pay a $15 federal fee to fish in waters up to three miles off the coast, or when fishing for migratory species in the Hudson River below the Troy Dam.

“For small business owners in the recreational fishing industry across Long Island, fishing is a way of life. The repeal of this license makes it easier for our small businesses to thrive in this tough economy,” said Mangano.