Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) have been busy this year responding to thousands of complaints ranging from illegal fishing to air quality violations, according to a statewide enforcement update shared on Oct. 10.
In just the first half of 2025, DEC fielded an estimated 45,000 calls, leading to nearly 19,000 investigations and more than 9,400 tickets or arrests for violations of the state’s Environmental Conservation Law.
Illegal fishing busts on Long Island
Recent enforcement highlights include a series of fishing compliance checks in Suffolk and Nassau counties. Officers issued dozens of tickets for illegally harvesting undersized or excess fish and crabs.
- At Patchogue’s Mascot Dock, one group was found with 86 blue crabs—51 of them below the legal size limit.
- In Freeport, two individuals were ticketed for keeping too many bluefish and a striped bass well below the legal size.
- At Port Jefferson, four anglers had 65 undersized porgy, six black sea bass, and a fluke—all confiscated and donated to a wildlife rehab center.
K9 units sniff out striped bass
One patrol in Southampton featured K9 Finn, trained to detect illegally caught striped bass. The dog helped officers locate a fish over the legal size and daily catch limit, resulting in multiple violations.
Snake in the car? ECOs to the rescue
In Delaware County, officers helped a startled motorist safely remove a two-foot-long garter snake that slithered up her leg while she was driving. The snake was relocated unharmed.
Training the next generation
DEC officers also took part in statewide youth hunting events and a “Learn to Fish” session in Livingston County for individuals with developmental disabilities. The programs aim to teach safety, ethics, and outdoor skills to the next generation of environmental stewards.
Other enforcement actions and milestones:
- In Washington County, a driver was cited for extreme diesel exhaust opacity (96.5%), far exceeding the legal limit.
- Three new K9 officers graduated from DEC’s training academy in Schoharie County.
- ECOs attended National Hunting and Fishing Day in Rockland County, sharing tips and conservation lessons with families.
DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton praised the officers’ work, saying they “protect New York’s air, water, wildlife, and public safety while also working to connect New Yorkers with the outdoors.”
To report environmental crimes, call 1-844-DEC-ECOS.
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