New Jersey state waters, out to 3 miles
Federally endangered; no take in New Jersey.
NJ DEP 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Past 3 miles: federal waters Different rule
ESA-listed; all harvest and possession prohibited in federal waters.
NOAA GARFO / MAFMC 2026 · checked 2026-09-20
How to tell it
Rows of bony armor scutes, a shark-like tail, and a vacuum-hose snout with barbels — a dinosaur. More on the Atlantic sturgeon page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Questions anglers ask2
Can you keep Atlantic sturgeon in New Jersey?
No. Harvest is prohibited in New Jersey. Release it in the water where you can. Federally endangered; no take in New Jersey.
How current is this New Jersey Atlantic sturgeon rule?
Source: NJ DEP 2026, last checked Sep 7, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency's pages nightly. Rules change mid-season by proclamation; the official rulebook is the final word.
In the appPoint the camera at an Atlantic sturgeon in New Jersey and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
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