Town of Smithtown Bay Constable Coordinates Recovery Efforts with NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
The Town of Smithtown’s Department of Public Safety’s Bay Constable Unit was contacted by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) in response to a possible sighting of a deceased Atlantic Sturgeon Tuesday afternoon. At approximately 12:30PM on Tuesday, November 10th, Bay Constable Marine Three responded to coordinates provided by the DEC. Upon arrival, the Bay Constables identified and retrieved the deceased and very large Atlantic Sturgeon, placing it into the vessel for transport back to Long Beach Marina. The endangered fish weighed in excess of several hundred pounds and required heavy equipment to remove from the boat. DEC collected samples for further investigation as part of their Atlantic Sturgeon Salvage Program.
Atlantic sturgeon are federally endangered species and are protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). They are native to New York’s marine waters but are not typically found in the western portion of the Long Island Sound. To report sightings of an Atlantic sturgeon in marine waters, including the Long Island Sound, contact DEC by calling 631-444-0444 or emailing MarineProtectedResources@dec.ny.gov
When reporting, please provide the following information:
- Specify the location of the fish carcass. Please be as specific as possible and provide coordinates, if possible.
- Note the condition of the fish.
- Identify any signs of trauma, and if present, where on the fish.
- Estimate the total length of the carcass.
- Describe any external tags found on the fish.
- Take a photograph of the entire fish and include a picture of the head and mouth to verify the species.
- Send all information and pictures to DEC email above.
Do not handle the fish, leave it where you found it - possession of Atlantic or shortnose sturgeon is federally prohibited
