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 Pages Tagged With: "research"

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.


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 Occurs


Recreational 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 written


Licensing 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 Menu
  • The Fisheries


    Horseshoe 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 source


    Research 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 Menu


    Commercial 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 Menu
  • The Fisheries Section



  • The 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 were


    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?


    Environmental Laboratory Quote Requests

    The Delaware Environmental Laboratory provides scientifically credible analytical and technical support to DNREC and other state agencies. It can also provide testing for other projects on a contractual basis. Please complete the form below to submit a request for a quote. Lab staff will review the information provided and provide a quote


    The History of the Environmental Laboratory

    The Delaware Environmental Laboratory has been helping with the protection of Delaware’s public health and the environment since it came into being in support of the Water Pollution Commission. The Delaware Water Pollution Control Act of 1949 established the Water Pollution Commission “to maintain within its jurisdiction a reasonable quality of water consistent


    Environmental Laboratory Sections

    Staff at the Delaware Environmental Laboratory work in specialized sections, providing scientifically credible analytical and technical support to DNREC and other state agencies. Field Services The Field Services Section is responsible for collecting the samples that are analyzed by the various sections in the lab. In addition, they provide


    The Delaware Environmental Laboratory

    The Delaware Environmental Laboratory is a full-service lab that tests and assesses water, air, soil, hazardous materials and biological samples. The lab helps facilitate the management of Delaware’s natural resources and the protection of Delaware’s water resources. Since its creation in 1949, the mission of the lab has been to aid in


    Coastal Research

    DNREC’s Delaware Coastal Programs conducts a variety of coastal research programs to study the affects of climate change, impacts from human pollutants, and other factors impacting the changing coastal environment of Delaware.

    Contact Us

    Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve 302-739-6377



    Collaborations

    The Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) collaborates with various partner organizations and hosts visiting scientists who conduct research of local and national significance that focuses on enhancing coastal management.

    Contact Us

    302-739-6377
    SETr


    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.


    Previous Planning and Research

    The Christina-Brandywine River Remediation Restoration Resilience (CBR4) project area has seen more than two decades of planning work, to understand the needs of the community, and scientific research, to understand contamination sources.
    CBR4 Project Menu
  • CBR4 Project


    Delaware Wetlands

    The DNREC Wetland Monitoring and Assessment Program, known as Delaware Wetlands, provides quality reports on the status, health and function of Delaware’s wetlands. It collaborates with other government agencies, businesses, non-profits and universities to further wetland research.

    Contact Us

    Alison Rogerson Delaware


    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


    The Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve

    The Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve (DNERR) is one of 30 National Estuarine Research Reserves across the country whose goal is to establish, protect, and manage natural estuarine habitats for research, education, and coastal stewardship. DNREC manages the Reserve under a regularly updated, five-year Reserve Management Plan.





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