The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife will conduct a virtual public hearing (Docket #2023-R-F-0021) on proposed revisions to the regulations governing the striped bass commercial fishing seasons, quotas, tagging and reporting requirements. Public comment period closed.

This proposed revision of 7 DE Admin. Code 3505 Striped Bass Commercial Fishing Seasons; Quotas; Tagging and Reporting Requirements is being proposed to modify the spring anchor gill net season by adding two weeks in February and eliminating two weeks in April and May to better synchronize the spring anchor gill net season with the availability of and market for Striped Bass. This action was recommended in a unanimous motion by the Advisory Council on Tidal Finfisheries at its September 19, 2023 meeting.

The proposed amendments may be inspected online on the Delaware Register of Regulations, or in-person, by appointment only, by contacting John Clark by phone at 302-739-9914 or by email at John.Clark@delaware.gov.

The Department will accept public comment through Feb. 14, 2024. Comments will be accepted in written form via email to DNRECHearingComments@delaware.gov, using the online form at de.gov/dnreccomments, or by U.S. mail to the address on this page.

Transcript, Hearing Officer’s Report and Secretary’s Order

Public Hearing Transcript

Public Hearing Transcript (Amended)

Hearing Officer’s Report
– Appendix A: Revised Proposed Reg. Amendments
– Appendix B: Technical Response Memorandum

Secretary’s Order No: 2024-F-0007 — Approving Final Amendments to 7 DE Admin. Code 3505 – Striped Bass Commercial Fishing Seasons; Quotas; Tagging and Reporting Requirements
Effective Date: April 11, 2024

DNREC Exhibits

Exhibit 1: Advisory Council on Tidal Finfisheries Minutes 9_19_23

Exhibit 2: Start Action Notice 2023-11

Exhibit 3: RFA-RIS Gill Net Season

Exhibit 4: Register Notice as published in January 2024 Register

Exhibit 5: Proposed amendments to 3505

Exhibit 6: Legal Notice and Affidavit Delaware State News

Exhibit 7: Legal Notice and Affidavit Wilmington News Journal

Exhibit 8: Notice on DNREC Public Hearing website

Exhibit 9: Notice of hearing on State of Delaware event calendar

Exhibit 10: Notice of meeting on DDFW Facebook Page

Exhibit 11: Email sent to gill net permit holders

Exhibit 12: Notice on DNREC Bulletin Board

Exhibit 13: DNREC Presentation

Public Comments

Craig David Pugh (Jan. 22, 2024)

Brian Hoffecker (Jan. 29, 2024)

Travis Mick (Jan. 29, 2024)

Linda Mozick (Jan. 29, 2024)

John Mozick (Jan. 29, 2024)

Joseph Smith (Jan. 29, 2024)

Matt Pugh (Feb. 3, 2024)

George Fabryka (Feb. 4, 2024)

Jeremy Virdin (Feb. 6, 2024)

Ronald Virdin Jr. (Feb. 14, 2024)