Recreation and tourism play a major role in Delaware’s blue economy, supporting a wide range of businesses in Delaware, such as restaurants, hotels, marinas and sporting goods stores, especially in the summer months when beach visitation is at its peak.

Recreation

The most popular water-based recreational activities off Delaware’s coast include shore uses like sunbathing and beachgoing and swimming; and sight-seeing activities like wildlife observation and photography.

According to a Coastal and Ocean Recreation Study by The Surfrider Foundation, recreators spend approximately $47 dollars per visit to the coast.

Spatial Extent: Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean

Temporal Pattern: Year round

Learn more about recreation in the Baseline Characterization of Uses and Resources Final Report

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Tourism

The Delaware tourism industry is the 4th largest private employer in the state, accounting for 55,240 jobs in 2023. Delaware attracted 29.3 million visitors in 2023, with beaches included as a top reason for travel to Delaware.

Spatial Extent: Delaware coastline; Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean

Temporal Pattern: Year round; Seasonal Summer peak

Learn more about tourism in the Baseline Characterization of Uses and Resources Final Report

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Recreational Fishing

Recreational fishing in Delaware is a popular activity enjoyed by both residents and visitors, who fish for fun, sport or food in the state’s coastal waters.

Common catches include striped bass, bluefish, summer flounder, black sea bass and Atlantic croaker, which is the most frequently harvested species.

Between 2011 and 2020, an average of 216,000 anglers participated each year, with most coming from out of state.

Shore fishing led in popularity, followed by private boating, with millions of trips taken annually across the decade.

Spatial Extent: Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean; Delaware coastline

Temporal Pattern: Varied (species dependent)

Learn more about recreational fishing in the Baseline Characterization of Uses and Resources Final Report

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Waterfowl Hunting

Waterfowl hunting, or waterfowling, is a popular recreational activity in Delaware, where hunters pursue ducks and geese along the major migratory route, the Atlantic Flyway.

The state’s mix of coastal and inland habitats attracts a variety of waterfowl species throughout the season.

Hunters must follow regulations set by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife, including licensing requirements, to help conserve bird populations and protect natural habitats.

Spatial Extent: Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean; Delaware coastline

Temporal Pattern: October to March

Learn more about waterfowl hunting in the Baseline Characterization of Uses and Resources Final Report

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Related Topics:  activity guide, atlantic ocean, bay, climate coastal energy, coastal management, coastal programs, delaware bay, economy, marine resources, ocean, planning, recreation, tourism