NYSDEC Environmental Conservation Police
Hotline staffed 24 hours / 7 days
The primary statewide hotline for poaching, illegal harvest, undersized takes, closed-area harvesting, and pollution incidents.
Stewardship
Report Shellfish Poaching
Long Island's bays are protected by a thin line of bay constables, DEC officers, and tip lines. If you witness illegal harvesting, harvesting from closed waters, or undersized takes — say something. One call protects the resource for everyone.
Who To Call
Reporting Channels
Town Bay Constables
Daylight patrols + on-call response
First call for activity inside town waters: shellfish bed violations, permit fraud, and after-dark harvesting. Each Long Island town runs its own marine enforcement unit.
U.S. Coast Guard — Sector Long Island Sound
24 hours / 7 days
For incidents in federal waters, large-vessel commercial poaching, or anything involving safety at sea.
NYSDEC Marine Resources — Region 1
Mon–Fri, business hours
Non-emergency tips, questions about closed shellfish areas, and follow-up on prior reports.
Before You Call
What To Observe
The more specific the tip, the more likely an officer can intercept the activity. Stay on shore or in your own boat — never approach poachers directly.
- 1Date, time, and exact location (GPS coordinates or landmarks).
- 2Vessel name, hull color, and registration number (NY-####-XX).
- 3Number of people on board and what gear they're using.
- 4Estimated quantity and species being harvested.
- 5Direction of travel when leaving the area.
- 6Photos or video — from a safe distance, never confront.
Why It Matters
Shellfish poaching isn't a minor offense — it removes brood stock, breaks closure protections that keep contaminated product off plates, and undercuts the legal growers who pay for leases, permits, and bay restoration. Every confirmed report helps protect the public, the bays, and Long Island's working waterfront.
Review Regulations & Permits →