The department is authorized in its discretion to adopt regulations establishing restrictions as to numbers and lengths and types of nets and other gear, compulsory lift periods, licenses, closed season, protected waters or other like measures, as in its judgment may be desirable for the protection of the shad fishing in the Hudson River. In adopting any such regulation, due regard shall be given to the needs of persons earning their livelihood by shad fishing, opportunity to be heard shall be given, and there shall be no discrimination in such additional regulations against the citizens of any other state.
New York Legal Code