Pages Tagged With: "fish and wildlife"
Careful Management Ensures the Delaware Bay Remains a Horseshoe Crab Haven
Every spring, millions of living fossils make their way to the beaches along the Delaware Bay, continuing a cycle that’s been underway for thousands of years. Creepy-crawlies more than a foot long clad in carapaces and trailing a tail-like spike emerge from the waves to gather along the shoreline en masse in hopes of finding a mate. These are horseshoe crabs, and the body of water dividing Delaware from New Jersey is home to their largest spawning grounds in the world.Become a Bat Spotter Volunteer
DNREC’s Delaware Bat Program needs dedicated volunteers for the summer field season. Volunteer bat spotters help state biologists collect information about bats and their summer colonies; information needed to determine conservation actions to best protect Delaware’s bats. Volunteers help with several important tasks: Maternity colonyThe Fisheries Section
The DNREC Fisheries Section works to enhance and protect Delaware’s fish and aquatic resources in support of recreational and commercial fishing. It provides first-class fishing and boating access to Delaware’s many waterways. And it conducts fisheries research, resource monitoring and collection of biological information on marine fisheries.Horseshoe Crab Viewing
The Delaware Bay hosts the world’s largest concentration of spawning horseshoe crabs. People come from all over the world to view the spawning crabs and the associated migratory shorebirds. Horseshoe crabs can be viewed on several Delaware Bay beaches and from DNREC’s DuPont Nature Center. When Spawning OccursRecreational Fishing
The DNREC Division of Fish and wildlife provides first-class fishing and boating access to Delaware’s many waterways. Information for Recreational Anglers The Delaware Fishing Report offers information on when to fish, where to fish, which species are biting and how to catch them. It is writtenLicensing and Regulations
Recreational fishing in Delaware requires licenses for most anglers and is governed by both state regulations promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, and regional and national regulations. Fisheries Section MenuHorseshoe Crab Monitoring
The horseshoe crab plays a prominent role in the ecology and fisheries of Delaware Bay. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife monitors Delaware’s horseshoe crab population using multiple methods. The crabs are huge feeders on marine worms and bivalves. Their eggs serve as a primary food sourceResearch and Monitoring
Biologists from the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife keep track of the state’s fish populations. They work on Delaware’s rivers, ponds, estuaries, on the Delaware Bay and in coastal waters and study how different species are faring. Fisheries Section MenuCommercial Fishing
Commercial fishing in the state of Delaware requires proper licensure and, in some cases, permits. Some fisheries have established quotas. And there are reporting requirements that must be met. Fisheries Section MenuThe American Eel in Delaware
Although many Delawareans may find them unappealing, American Eel (Anguilla rostrata) support a major fishery in Delaware. American Eel (Photo: Duane Raver, Jr.) American Eels are mostly sold live for bait and exported as a food fish. Historically, Delaware landed over 100,000 pounds of eels annually. The eels wereFrom Our Bays to Your Plate: Inside Delaware’s Shellfish Aquaculture Industry
Significant progress in the shellfish industry has been made since the beginning of the 2010s, when Delaware was the only state on the Atlantic coast without shellfish aquaculture. Just a decade later, hundreds of thousands of oysters are being harvested via aquaculture and sold to restaurants and distributors right here in the state.Fish Consumption Advisories
DNREC monitors the presence of chemical contaminants in the edible flesh of finfish and shellfish in Delaware waters. In coordination with the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), they issue periodic fish consumption advisories to guide anglers on the amount of fish they can safely consume from specific water bodies to increase risk awareness.Despite Declining Numbers, Hunting Still has Major Benefits for Participants and Delaware
Fifty years ago, roughly 1 in 20 Delawareans hunted, according to license data maintained by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. Today, that figure is more like 1 in 50. But that doesn’t mean hunting’s importance has diminished for those who do take part, as the director of the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife explains in this piece.Notice of Public Hearing: Revisions to the Boating Regulations
The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife will conduct a public hearing to consider comments from the public on proposed revisions to the Boating Regulations.Delaware Hawk Watch
Hawk watch stations are critical in understanding long-term population trends of migratory raptors throughout the country. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife partners with the Delaware Ornithological Society, the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation and the Delaware Nature Society to operate two hawk watch stations in the state of Delaware.American Barn Owl Monitoring and Management
The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife works with public and private landowners to study and conserve Delaware’s population of American Barn Owls.Contact Us
Jordan Brown Raptor, Grassland and Forest Bird Biologist 302-255-1960
Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact
Delaware is a member of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact (IWVC), an agreement that recognizes suspension of hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses in member states. This means that illegal activities in one state can affect a person’s hunting or fishing privileges in all participating states.Operation Game Theft Report Form
Use this form to report wildlife crime through DNREC’s Operation Game Theft. Information supplied in this form is strictly confidential and will not be released to the public. Use this form to report a crime that is not in progress. If you need to report a wildlife crimeOperation Game Theft
The Operation Game Theft Fund was established by the Delaware General Assembly to assist in the apprehension and conviction of game law violators. Rewards of up to $1,000 are available for information leading to the arrest and conviction of violators.Natural Resources Police Fish and Wildlife Unit
The Fish and Wildlife Unit protects wildlife and fisheries resources, promotes boating education and safety, promotes ethical hunting and fishing and responds to boating emergencies. The unit is also a partner in Delaware’s Homeland Security maritime mission.Hunting, Fishing and Boating Violations
From Argentina to the Arctic: How Delaware’s Beaches Fuel Epic Shorebird Migrations
Every May, huge numbers of shorebirds like red knots, ruddy turnstones and sanderlings stop in Delaware as they migrate north to the Arctic to mate. Our state is a key rest stop for these species, which take advantage of the Delaware Bay’s location as prime horseshoe crab spawning grounds to feast on their eggs. What have scientists learned from carefully studying these birds for more than 40 years?Preserving All the Wonder of Wildlife for Years to Come: How the Delaware Wildlife Action Plan Helps Protect Thousands of Species
Delaware is home to more than 2,800 known animal species. Many are doing just fine or even thriving, but some are experiencing harder times. About 700 of these animals, as well as some 300 plant species, are included in Delaware’s draft 2025-2035 Wildlife Action Plan as Species of Greatest Conservation Need. Learn more about how the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control uses the plan to preserve our flora and fauna, including 90 animal species designated as endangered, in this offering from Outdoor Delaware.Public Hearing: Delaware Wildlife Regulations
The DNEC Division of Fish and Wildlife will conduct a public hearing to consider comments from the public on proposed revisions to the state’s Wildlife regulations.Public Comment on an Environmental Assessment of a Proposal to Construct a New Wildlife Observation Tower, Boardwalk, and Parking at the Assawoman Wildlife Area
The Division of Fish and Wildlife proposes to replace the existing observation tower at Assawoman Wildlife Area.Inside DNREC’s Efforts to Save America’s Tiniest Turtle
In northern New Castle County, a tiny population of North America’s smallest turtle is receiving a lift thanks to efforts from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. While once home to populations at several different sites, today Delaware has only about 20 adult bog turtles across two habitats. However, DNREC is working to help the species thrive once more.Wildlife Action Plan Comment Form
Please use the form below to share your comments with the DNREC team working on the latest revision of the Delaware Wildlife Action Plan and the Wildlife Action Plan Database. Please review the draft Wildlife Action Plan including the data behind the plan and the functionality of the new interface. If youWilmington Falcon Fledge Watch Volunteers
The Wilmington Falcon Fledge Watch relies on community scientist volunteers who dedicate time each year to monitor young Peregrine falcons leaving their nest site – a nest box on the 19th floor of the Brandywine Building in Wilmington.Contact Us
Peregrine Falcon Monitoring and Management
The DNREC Division of Fish and wildlife works with volunteers and other partners to monitor and study Peregrine falcons.Contact Us
Jordan Brown Raptor, Grassland and Forest Bird Biologist 302-255-1960
When Wildlife Cause Problems
Delaware is home to diverse and vibrant communities of fish and wildlife. Thousands of visitors are drawn to Delaware for hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing and photography. As Delaware expands its urban and suburban centers, and the population grows, there is an increase in human-wildlife contact and, sometimes, conflict. The idea of “nuisance wildlife” has becomePrivate Lands Assistance
Delaware is a biologically diverse state with hardwood forests, swamps and coastal marshes that support over 400 species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Despite significant strides in conservation, much of the wildlife habitat in Delaware remains isolated, degraded and unprotected as more land is converted to urban, commercial and industrial uses.Boating and Fishing Access Locations
Fishing access locations in the State of Delaware include locations on the Atlantic Ocean, the Delaware Estuary, and several rivers and ponds. The access areas shown on the map on this page include both state-owned and municipal-owned areas. Please be aware of any boat ramp fees or permits thatNotice of Public Hearing: Shellfish Aquaculture Regulations
The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife will conduct a public hearing to consider comments from the public on proposed revisions to the state’s Shellfish Aquaculture regulations.What Fish Die-Offs Mean for Delaware and How DNREC Handles Them
As part of its duties overseeing Delaware’s environment and wildlife, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control regularly responds to fish kills. These die-offs can occur in bodies of water as disparate as an ocean or a neighborhood stormwater basin and can consist of just a few fish or literal millions.Second Notice: Availability of Delaware Bay Shellfish Grounds for LeasingSecond Notice:
DNREC is informing interested parties that shellfish grounds are available for lease, located in the Delaware Bay.Spring Turkey Season Hunting Permit Lottery
The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conducts an annual lottery to issue permits to allow hunters to hunt turkeys on state wildlife areas during the spring wild turkey hunting season, which runs from April 12 to May 10 in 2025. These permits allow a hunter to harvest a wildAvian Influenza and Wildlife
Avian influenza, also known as “bird flu,” is a term for a group of influenza strains that occur naturally in wild aquatic birds and that may spread to other bird and animal species, including domestic poultry. It is a serious disease concern for poultry producers and animal health officials. [column md=”5″ xclass=”col-xs-12Availability of Delaware Bay Shellfish Grounds for Leasing
DNREC is informing interested parties that shellfish grounds are available for lease, located in the Delaware Bay.Detailing Delaware’s Marshland Battle Against Invasive Phragmites
Delaware marshes are chock-full of phragmites, a mostly invasive plant species that threatens to disrupt ecosystems throughout the state. First identified in Delaware in the 1840s, it is ubiquitous near waterways in our state today. That’s why the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has for decades worked to control the population and manage habitats, in the process preserving a delicate balance.Unseen Intruders: Delaware’s Battle Against Invasive Species Threatening Native Wildlife
Invasive species threaten to outcompete native species, could carry disease and generally risk disrupting the fragile ecosystem. In this piece from Outdoor Delaware, experts offer an overview of what qualifies as an invasive species, how these plants and animals can harm the environment and what Delawareans should know about them.How Delaware is Preparing for the Return of Black Bears
Prior to 2016, black bears had not been spotted in Delaware in more than a century. Over the past eight years, however, four different juvenile male bears have ventured into Delaware, capturing the public imagination. Is this a trend residents can expect to continue?The Perils of Wild Pets: DNREC Warns Against Keeping Non-Domesticated Animals
Around two-thirds of American households have pets, mostly dogs or cats, and many consider them just as much a part of the family as human members. But for a few people, even some of the more unique animals sometimes owned as pets like snakes, parakeets and hamsters aren’t enough — they want to keep wildlife. Find out why animal experts say it’s generally bad to take in wild animals in this offering from Outdoor Delaware.Fly Fishing Lessons
Anglers aged 16 and older can learn about, and gain skills in, the increasingly popular sport of fly-fishing by attending free fly-fishing lessons for adults at the DNREC Aquatic Resources Education Center in Smyrna.Contact Us
Wild Turkey Surveys
Since 2010, the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife has used an annual, volunteer-based survey to record observations of wild turkeys across the state during the months of July and August. The survey generates an index of annual turkey productivity and recruitment (the ratio of young birds to adult females). The surveyAquatic Resources Education Center
The Aquatic Resources Education Center, operated by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife, focuses on wetlands, fishing and other aquatic education themes.Contact Us
Taylor Border Aquatic Education Programs Manager 2520 Lighthouse Road Smyrna, DE 19977 302-735-8689
