The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife will conduct a public hearing (Docket #2025-R-F-0025) on a proposal to establish a standardized total length measure for fisheries regulations. Public comment period open through April 9, 2026.

The proposed Total Length regulation (7 DE Admin. Code 3560) will provide a detailed definition of total fish length. This will allow DNREC to enforce a standardized total length measure for fisheries regulations that use total length to define legal minimum and/or maximum fish length.

Although this action is required for Delaware to remain in compliance with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Atlantic Striped Bass Fisheries Management Plan, the Division is opting to create a standalone regulation for total length that will apply to all tidal finfish species regulations that use total length as the legal measure of fish length, not solely to striped bass.

The proposed regulation will be available for review online in the March issue of the Delaware Register of Regulations, or in-person, by appointment only, by contacting John Clark at 302-739-9914 or John.Clark@delaware.gov.

The Department will accept public comments through the close of business on April 9, 2026. Comments will be accepted in written form via email to DNRECHearingComments@delaware.gov, or by using the online form at de.gov/dnreccomments, or by U.S. mail to the following address:

Public Hearing Officer

Theresa Smith, Hearing Officer
DNREC Office of the Secretary
89 Kings Highway
Dover, DE 19901

Documents for Review

DNREC Start Action Notice 2025-15

Delaware Public Meeting Calendar Notice