The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control invites public comment on a proposed Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan for Delaware. The department will take comments on the proposed plan through Nov. 15, 2023.

Delaware is one of two states in the Mid-Atlantic region without an Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan approved by the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (ANSTF). The task force was established by Congress to create a coordinated, unified approach to aquatic invasive species.

Delaware’s location within the Delmarva Peninsula, the presence of a major shipping port in Wilmington and its relatively mild climate provides an environment conducive to the invasion and establishment of a variety of aquatic invasive species (AIS).

State resources available to implement a management plan to control aquatic invasive species are limited. Federal funds are needed. Having a plan approved by the ANSTF would allow access to annual Federal funding to Delaware for implementation of the plan.

The ANSTF consists of 13 federal and 13 ex-officio members. Its mission is to work with partners to protect the waters of the United States by creating a network that raises awareness of aquatic nuisance species, takes action to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species and manages established aquatic nuisance species.

Following the public comment period, the plan will be submitted to the Governor’s office for review and signature and sent to the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (ANSTF) for final approval.

Public comments will be accepted through Nov. 15, 2023.

Public Comment Form

Related Topics:  aquatic, dfw, fish, fish and wildlife, fisheries, invasive species, management plan, non-native, outdoors, outdoors and recreation, public comment, recreation