So it seems there's a new "Recreational Marine Fishing License" for saltwater fishing in New York State as of Oct 1 2009. I'm assuming this is required for spearfishermen as well. Correct ?
http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/54950.html
[Note: there is pending legislation that may delay the effective date of the implementation of the recreational marine fishing license until January 1, 2010.]