Pages Tagged With: "research"
Trawl Survey Program
The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife monitors the status of a wide variety of marine finfish and shellfish populations in the Delaware Estuary and Inland Bays through its bottom trawl survey program. The Division’s trawl surveys are among the longest-running state surveys on the East Coast.Tidal Largemouth Bass Survey
Largemouth bass are the most popular freshwater sportfish in Delaware. They inhabit the freshwater portions of many tidal rivers and streams across the state. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife monitors the status of tidal bass populations in several key river systems including the Nanticoke River, Broadkill River and Marshyhope Creek.Delaware River Atlantic Sturgeon Research
The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conducts juvenile abundance surveys of Atlantic Sturgeon in the Delaware River. This survey monitors population levels and evaluates spawning success rate based on the addition of newly hatched fish entering the sturgeon population. Please report
Delaware River Striped Bass Spawning Stock Survey
The Striped bass, locally known as the Rockfish, is one of the most important fish species along the Atlantic Coast, supporting valuable commercial and recreational fisheries. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife monitors the Delaware River Striped bass population to gather important information that can be used to improve management of the Striped bassThe 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. Registration is now open for the 2026 Youth Fishing Tournament. The tournament is set for June 6, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at one freshwater fishing pond inLicensing 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 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 quoteThe 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 consistentEnvironmental 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 provideThe 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 inCoastal 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
