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 Pages Tagged With: "fisheries"

Federal Consistency Determination: NMFS Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

The National Marine Fisheries Service is proposing rulemaking that considers changes to the effort controls and related regulations for the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna fishery.


Notice of Public Hearing: Proposed Revisions to the Delaware Lobster Regulations

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife will conduct a virtual public hearing on December 21, 2023, to consider comments from the public on proposed revisions to the state’s Lobsters regulations.


Public Comment Opportunity: Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan

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.
Public Comment Draft: Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan



Federal Consistency Determination: National Marine Fisheries Service Rule Amendment

The National Marine Fisheries Service proposes to promulgate a new rule to implement the Comprehensive Acceptable Biological Catch Control Rule Amendment.


Public Hearing: Proposed Revisions to the Horseshoe Crab Regulations

The Division of Fish and Wildlife will conduct a public hearing on proposed revisions to the Delaware Horseshoe Crab Regulations.


Availability of Delaware Bay Shellfish Grounds for Leasing

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife is accepting applications for leases of shellfish grounds within the defined boundaries of the shellfish growing area of the Delaware Bay that are not already under lease.


Federal Consistency Determination: National Marine Fisheries Service

The NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service proposes to implement an amendment to the Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries Management Plan.


Federal Consistency Determination: National Marine Fisheries Service

National Marine Fisheries Service proposes to update fishery management plans regarding Atlantic king mackerel and Atlantic migratory group Spanish mackerel.


Federal Consistency Determinations Submitted to the Delaware Coastal Management Program

Federal consistency determinations have been submitted for an amendment to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan and for a plan to dredge the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal.


Reporting Fish Kills

A fish kill is a sudden, unexpected die-off of fish in a specific location. It is important to report fish kills right away. Evidence dissipates quickly; delays can make it harder to determine the cause.
Signs of a Fish Kill: Dead


Federal Consistency Determination Submitted to the Delaware Coastal Management Program: National Marine Fisheries Service

The National Marine Fisheries Service is proposing to implement changes to the American lobster fishery in Federal waters of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone.


COVID Relief Funding for Saltwater Fishery-Related Businesses

Delaware has received nearly $3 million in relief funding from the federal government to distribute to eligible saltwater fishery-related businesses affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Applications for relief funds were accepted through March 17, 2022.

Contact Us

DNREC Fisheries


Federal Consistency Determination: Bluefish Fishery Management Plan

The National Marine Fisheries Service proposes to update the Bluefish Fishery Management Plan using the best information available by revising quota allocations and management procedures.


Federal Consistency Determination: Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan

The National Marine Fisheries Service proposes to conduct Amendment 21 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan to allow for more controlled access to the scallop resource and increase monitoring to support a growing directed scallop fishery in Federal waters.


Report Atlantic Sturgeon

You can help DNREC research and manage the local population of Atlantic sturgeon, a rare and endangered fish. Simply use our reporting form to let us know of any interactions you have with this fish.
Submit a Report


Federal Consistency Determination: Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan

The National Marine Fisheries Service proposes to modify commercial and recreational management measures in the directed and incidental bluefin tuna fisheries in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico.


Federal Consistency Determination: NOAA Atlantic Migratory Group Rulemaking

The National Marine Fisheries Services is proposing to promulgate a rule that would increase the commercial quota for Atlantic migratory group cobia.


Federal Consistency Determinations Submitted to the Delaware Coastal Management Program

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA) proposes to promulgate a new rule to implement an amendment to the Fishery Management Plan for the Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery of the Atlantic. It also proposes amendments to the Atlantic Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Plan.


Scientific Collection Permits

The Division of Fish and Wildlife issues permits to collect protected wildlife, finfish, shellfish or their nests or eggs for scientific, education or propagating purposes. Permits are issued for up to one year and may require review and approval from a relevant taxa project leader. [column md=”6″ xclass=”col-xs-12 col-lg-5


Everything Including the Kitchen “Sink” — Delaware’s Artificial Reefs

Over 20 years, Delaware has recycled more than two million tons of rock, 100,000 tons of concrete, 86 tanks and armored personnel carriers, 1,329 retired subway cars and 27 retired vessels to create new, artificial reefs.


Federal Consistency Determinations: NMFS Emergency Fishery Management Plan Rule

The National Marine Fisheries Service is proposing to use an emergency rule under the Fishery Management Plan for Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region to increase the recreational bag limit for Atlantic king mackerel in federal waters.


Federal Consistency Determinations Submitted to the Delaware Coastal Management Program

The National Marine Fisheries Service is proposing to adjust the current regulations for North Atlantic swordfish and shark retention limits for certain permit holders in U.S. Atlantic and Caribbean waters, including modifying retention limits and adding regulatory criteria for in season adjustment of retention limits.


Federal Consistency Determinations Submitted to the Delaware Coastal Management Program

The National Marine Fisheries Service proposes to adopt Amendment 21 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP) to establish updated Summer Flounder commercial quota allocations.


Public Hearing: Including Cobia in the Tidal Finfish Regulations

The Division of Fish & Wildlife will conduct a public hearing on proposed revisions to the Tidal Finfish regulations to include a new section on Cobia (Rachycentron canadum).


Public Hearing: Striped Bass Spawning Season and Area Restrictions

The Division of Fish & Wildlife will conduct a public hearing (Docket #2019-R-F-0026) on on February 26, 2020, on proposed revisions to the regulations governing Striped Bass Spawning Seasons and Area Restrictions.


Shellfish Aquaculture

The Division of Fish and Wildlife makes acreage in the Inland Bays available for leases for shellfish aquaculture.

Contact Us

Zina Hense Environmental Scientist 302-739-4782
Regulations Questions and Answers [button


Fish and Wildlife Advisory Councils

Delaware state law establishes several councils to advise the Director of Fish and Wildlife on matters relating to fisheries, recreational fishing, wildlife and hunting, and shell fisheries.
Advisory Council on Wildlife and Freshwater Fish Council


Availability of Delaware Bay Shellfish Grounds for Leasing

Division of Fish & Wildlife is informing interested parties that shellfish grounds are available for lease, located in the Delaware Bay, south of the East Line and North of the Murderkill River.


The 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. Recreational Fishing


Public Hearing on Proposed Amendments to 7 DE Admin. Code 3700 – Shellfish

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.





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