The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has proposed amendments to Delaware’s shellfish regulations to add Jonah Crab and to make changes to the Lobster fishing regulations. (Public Comment Period Closed)

The proposed changes to Delaware’s shellfish regulations (7 DE Admin. Code 3700) are in response to Interstate Fishery Management Plans for Jonah Crab and Lobster by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.

For Jonah Crab, the proposed changes would:

• Establish incidental and directed landing permits based upon certain criteria;
• Establish Jonah Crab incidental bycatch limits;
• Establish a Jonah Crab minimum carapace width of 4 ¾ inches with no tolerance;
• Establish conditions and limits on the retention of Jonah Crab claws;
• Prohibit the retention of egg-bearing female Jonah Crab; and
• Establish a recreational possession limit of 50 Jonah Crabs per person per day.

For Lobster, the changes would adopt provisions requiring the mandatory removal of lobster pots from February 1 through March 31, clarify that two escape vents are necessary on lobster pots where circular style vents are used, and require that egg-bearing female lobster be V-notched and immediately released.

The proposed amendments may be inspected at the Department’s offices located at 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, or are available by contacting the Fisheries Section at 302.739.9914.

The hearing record will open on May 1 through the close of business on June 7, 2019. Individuals may submit written comments or request additional information regarding the proposed amendments by contacting the Hearing Officer via email or via USPS at the address below.

Public Hearing Officer:

Lisa A. Vest
DNREC Office of the Secretary
89 Kings Highway
Dover, DE 19901

Related Information

Start Action Notice #2019-03

DNREC Public Hearing Exhibits

Final Report and Order

Hearing Officer’s Report (July 8, 2019)

Secretary’s Order No. 2019-F-0033 (August 14, 2019)