New York state waters, out to 3 miles
Coastwide moratorium; release immediately.
NY DEC 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 York?
No. Harvest is prohibited in New York. Release it in the water where you can. Coastwide moratorium; release immediately.
How current is this New York Atlantic sturgeon rule?
Source: NY DEC 2026, last checked Sep 20, 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 York and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
Get the app