Shellfish Aquaculture

The Division of Fish and Wildlife makes acreage in the Inland Bays available for leases for shellfish aquaculture.

Leases are available for lands within defined Shellfish Aquaculture Development Areas (SADA), which have expedited state and federal permitting processes, and outside of these areas.

For leases outside of the SADAs, applicants will need to contact and apply for proper permitting through DNREC’s Wetlands and Waterways Section and with the Philadelphia District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Shellfish aquaculture leases are provided under the Shellfish Aquaculture regulations (7 DE Admin. Code 3018) and governed by the Delaware Shellfish Aquaculture Importation Policy.

For more information, please contact Zina Hense, at Zina.Hense@delaware.gov or 302-739-4782.

Lease Applications

Applications for leases for available acreage will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Before applying for a shellfish lease, please read the Frequently Asked Questions and Application Tips refer to the Interactive Shellfish Aquaculture Development Area Map, which is updated with available acreage. The application fee is $300.

Shellfish Aquaculture Application, SADA — This is an online form. A PDF version or hard copy of the form is available by request from the DNREC Fisheries Office, at ibshellfish@delaware.gov or 302-735-2960

Shellfish Aquaculture Application, Non-SADA

Shellfish Import Form (Please download this form in order to apply an e-signature)

In addition to the application forms, applicants will need to submit a Business Plan and Operations Plan as outlined on the application form.

Shellfish Nursery Permitting

Those interested in operating an Inland Bays’ shellfish nursery outside of acres leased for Delaware shellfish aquaculture must submit a Shellfish Aquaculture Nursery Operation Application and a Shellfish Import Form (if applicable).

Nurseries outside of acreage leased for shellfish aquaculture also require permits from DNREC’s Wetlands and Waterways Section.

Delaware Seafood Suppliers

Delaware Sea Grant maintains a directory of Delaware seafood suppliers providing sustainably fished and farmed seafood options. The list is organized by species and provider.