quahog clams
Northern Quahogs

New York’s commercial fishing industry targets fisheries in the Atlantic Ocean, Long Island Sound, Great Lakes, and other areas.

As a result of the state’s unique location, many of its marine and freshwater resources are shared with neighboring states, especially Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Along its southern border, the Port of New York and New Jersey is one of the most intricate natural harbors in the world. To the North, Long Island Sound meets the Atlantic, forming strong rips that attract fish and other seafood.

New York’s saltwater fisheries include American lobsters, surf clams, quahog clams, soft-shelled clams, oysters, squid, scup, flounder, tilefish, silver hake, and other species.

Important saltwater fishing communities include Brooklyn, Captree Island, City Island, Freeport, Greenport, Hampton Bays – Shinnecock, Mattituck, Montauk, New York City, Oceanside, and Point Lookout.

The state’s Great Lakes region includes Lakes Ontario and Erie, their tributaries, and the St. Lawrence and Niagara Rivers. Great Lakes commercial fishermen harvest yellow perch, white perch, brown bullhead, American eel, and other species.

Related Information

USA Commercial Fishing

Commercial Fisheries