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Environmental News
ASMFC Approves Amendment 7 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Striped Bass
Amendment Strengthens Measures To Support Stock Rebuilding
Press Release ... ASMFC ... Arlington, VA – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission approved Amendment 7 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Atlantic Striped Bass. The Amendment establishes new requirements for the following components of the FMP: management…
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Public Comment on Harvest Control Rule Draft Addenda to Close Friday, April 22nd at 11:59 PM
ASMFC (April 18, 2022) ... The deadline for submitting public comment on the Recreational Harvest Control Rule Draft Addenda to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and Bluefish FMP is this Friday, April 22nd at 11:59 PM. If you haven’t already submitted comment, please to do by then. The Draft Addenda is…
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Birder Citizen Scientists Sought By DNERR
Help Document Bird Species at Delaware Reserves Citizen Science Project at Blackbird Creek and St. Jones Runs Through 2022
The Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve (DNERR) is encouraging visitors to help with a data collection project by documenting the species of birds they see while visiting the Blackbird Creek and St. Jones reserves.…
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Sewer Break Discharges Wastewater into Christina River
DNREC (March 24, 2022) ... The New Castle County Department of Public Works repaired a force main break, which caused wastewater to overflow and spill into the Nonesuch Creek and Christina River. The overflow occurred when the force main ruptured near 419 Old Airport Road in New Castle. The wastewater spill was reported to the Delaware Department…
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ASMFC Joint Delaware-N.J. Public Hearing on Harvest Control Rule Draft Addenda
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to Hold Virtual Joint Delaware-N.J. Public Hearing March 28 on Harvest Control Rule Draft Addenda
Dover (March 21, 2022) ... The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) will hold a joint Delaware-New Jersey virtual public hearing regarding the Recreational Harvest Control Rule Draft…
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Avoid Cupola Park Boat Ramp For A while
Cupola Park boat ramp is covered with dead fish carcasses and dead crabs.
(August 31, 2021) ... Either there has been a big run of sea bass in the Indian River at Cupola park, or someone decided to dump their cleaned fish. Now the park and ramp smell like the dumpster at Big Fish or any seafood joint. There are a lot of dead crabs too.…
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Recreational Water Advisory Tower Road Beach (Ocean)
Delaware Seashore State Park recreational Water Advisory
(August 24, 2021) ... DNREC has issued a water advisory for recreational swimming at the Tower Road ocean side beach In Delaware Seashore State Park. A level of 121 Enterococcoi (Colonies/100ml) was detected today. It is expected to clear in two days. Fish are fine to eat so don't…
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DNREC to Lift Advisory on Use of Bird Feeders and Baths as Songbird Mortality Decreases
Investigation into Mysterious Songbird Mortality Event Continues
Occurrences of a mysterious songbird illness and mortality event have decreased in the state to the extent that the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has lifted an advisory issued in June asking that the public temporarily discontinue use of bird…
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Delaware Sea Grant Seeks Boater Volunteers For Locating Ghost Crab Pots And Removal
Fish Finders for Stewardship Workshop
Everyone hates ghost crab pots, especially when you run over one. These abandoned or ghost crab pots destroy your props and lower units. They are detriment to wildlife, despite being mini reefs at times. I went on a ghost crab pot removal project a couple years ago with Delaware Sea Grant and the…
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DNREC to Revise Bundicks Branch Flood Risk Map in Sussex County
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is conducting a floodplain mapping study for Bundicks Branch in Sussex County and encourages the public to learn more about the upcoming mapping changes at https://de.gov/bundicksbranch. Comments and questions about the Bundicks Branch mapping study can be submitted online,…
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Weekly Beach Clean Ups Will Resume
September 2nd will be the first beach clean up in nearly a year.
It has been a hot minute or ten since we did a full blown beach clean up. DSF has been hosting these for four plus years. Many of our regular volunteers or beach stewards have been taking it upon themselves to get out and do their part on their own. Not Our Trash, But These…
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DNREC Issues Code Orange Air Quality Alert
The Wildfire smoke is creating that haze in the sky.
My eyes have been watering for days. This wildfire smoke haze will produce some wild sunsets this evening, possibly into Friday. The sun was easy to0 look at this morning due to the smoke. This form all the wildfires out west.
DNREC ... Wednesday, July 21 is a Code Orange Air Quality…
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MAFMC and ASMFC Postpone Final Action on Potential Changes to Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Allocations
MAFMC and ASMFC Postpone Final Action on Potential Changes to Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Allocations
(April 8, 2021) ... During a joint webinar meeting on Tuesday, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's (Commission) Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Board…
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Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Winter Meeting
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC)Winter Meeting February 4 – 6, 2020The Westin Crystal City Arlington, Virginia
Just a note from DSF ... If you send in comments prior to this meeting they will make the agenda and be considered. Despite that people think writing letters doesn't help, it actually does. Comment information is…
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ASMFC Winter Meeting Preliminary Agenda, Public Comment Guidelines, and Meeting Details
Please find attached and below the preliminary agenda and public comment guidelines for the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s 2018 Winter Meeting, February 6-8, 2018 in Arlington, VA. The agenda is also available at http://www.asmfc.org/home/2018-winter-meeting. Included in the attachment are the travel authorization form, travel…
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The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Atlantic Menhaden Management Board will meet November 13-14, 2017
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Atlantic Menhaden Management Board will meet November 13-14, 2017 at The BWI Airport Marriott located at 1743 West Nursery Road, Linthicum Heights, Maryland. The meeting notice, travel authorization form and travel reimbursement guidelines are attached. Meeting materials are available on the…
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ASMFC Horseshoe Crab Board Sets 2018 Specifications for Horseshoe Crabs of Delaware Bay Origin
ASMFC Horseshoe Crab Board Sets 2018 Specifications for Horseshoe Crabs of Delaware Bay Origin
Norfolk, VA – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Horseshoe Crab Management Board approved the harvest specifications for horseshoe crabs of Delaware Bay origin. Under the Adaptive Resource Management (ARM) Framework, the…
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American Eel Stock Assessment Update Finds Resource Remains Depleted
American Eel Stock Assessment Update Finds Resource Remains Depleted
Norfolk, VA – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s American Eel Management Board reviewed the results of the 2017 American Eel Stock Assessment Update, which indicates the resource remains depleted. The assessment updates the 2012 American Eel Benchmark…
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ASMFC Atlantic Menhaden Board Approves Draft Amendment 3 for Public Comment
ASMFC Atlantic Menhaden Board Approves Draft Amendment 3 for Public Comment
Peanut bunker that washed up onto the beach
Alexandria, VA – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Atlantic Menhaden Management Board approved Draft Amendment 3 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Atlantic Menhaden for public comment. The…
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DNREC Police Rescue Woman Thrown Overboard
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police rescue woman thrown overboard from her own boat into Rehoboth Bay
MILLSBORO (July 28, 2017) – DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers rescued a 65-year-old Lewes woman from Rehoboth Bay Thursday after she was ejected from her fishing skiff and it continued to spin out of…
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Extended Closure Of Delaware Bay For Recreational Shellfish Harvest
DNREC establishes 21-day timeframe for extended closure of Delaware Bay for recreational shellfish harvest after Kent County’s wastewater plant discharge returns to acceptable water quality levels
DOVER (July 26, 2017) – As reported this week to the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Surface Water Discharges Section,…
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Crab Pot Thieves Caught In Herring Creek
DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife officers make arrests for crabbing violations and crab pot thefts
DOVER (June 27, 2017) – DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police arrested two New Castle County men June 24, following an investigation into multiple crabbing and crab pot theft violations that occurred on Herring Creek…
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New Hunting And Trapping License Fees In Effect July 1
DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife reminds hunters and trappers about new license fees in effect July 1
DOVER (June 20, 2017) – DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife reminds hunters and trappers that new hunting and trapping license fees will be in effect July 1.
New hunting and trapping license and related fees…
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Operation Dry Water June 30-July 2
Delaware promoting Operation Dry Water June 30-July 2 to help prevent boating under the influence and save lives on the water
DOVER (June 26, 2017) – DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police today announced Delaware’s active participation in Operation Dry Water, an annual nationwide enforcement and education campaign aimed at…
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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: May 29-June 4
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: May 29-June 4
Reminder for the week: Commercial horseshoe crab harvest occurring now
DOVER (June 9, 2017) – To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public…
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Delaware City and Augustine Beach boat ramps in New Castle County to close briefly this month for repairs
Delaware City and Augustine Beach boat ramps
in New Castle County to close briefly this month for repairs
DOVER (June 6, 2017) –The Delaware City Boat Ramp, located within Fort DuPont State Park, and the Augustine Beach Boat Ramp, located south of Port Penn, will each be closed temporarily this month to allow contractors to…
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ASMFC Finds New Jersey Out of Compliance with Addendum XXVIII to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass FMP
ASMFC Finds New Jersey Out of Compliance with Addendum XXVIII to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass FMP
Arlington, VA – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has found the State of New Jersey out of compliance with the mandatory management measures contained in Addendum XXVIII to the Interstate Fishery…
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Anglers Invited To Fish For Free In Delaware Waters June 3 And 4
Anglers invited to fish for free in Delaware waters June 3 and 4
DNREC’s Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police to host 31st Annual Youth Fishing Tournament June 3
DOVER (May 30, 2017) – To celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week, June 3-11, DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife invites you to fish, crab and clam in…
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DNREC Secretary’s Order approves issuance of permits for construction and operation of City of Rehoboth Beach outfall
DNREC Secretary’s Order approves issuance of permits for
construction and operation of City of Rehoboth Beach outfall
DOVER (May 25, 2017) – Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Shawn M. Garvin today signed an order enabling the City of Rehoboth Beach to move forward with construction of an outfall that will…
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DNREC reports nine piping plover pairs incubating nests
DNREC reports nine piping plover pairs incubating nests at Cape Henlopen’s Point and Fowler Beach
LEWES (May 24, 2017) – With summer just around the corner, beachnesting birds are in full breeding mode, with piping plover and American oystercatcher nests increasing their Delaware numbers and least terns making nest scrapes, DNREC’s…
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First Recipient Of Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament’s Elite Angler Award
DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife announces first recipient of Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament’s Elite Angler award
DOVER (April 26, 2017) – DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife today announced the first recipient of the Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament’s new Elite Angler award is Thomas Passwaters Sr., of Milford, a…
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Additional closure needed to assist beachnesters at the Point at Cape Henlopen State Park
Additional closure needed to assist beachnesters at the Point at Cape Henlopen State Park
LEWES (April 13, 2017) – On March 1, the Point at Cape Henlopen State Park was closed for migratory and beach nesting shorebirds.The closed sections, including a stretch of ocean beach and dunes, and a half mile along the bay shoreline, were marked…
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Interactive Shellfish Aquaculture Map For The Inland Bays
DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife unveils interactive shellfish aquaculture map for the Inland Bays
DOVER (March 16, 2017) – The Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife’s shellfish aquaculture program has posted an interactive online map that provides site-specific information helpful for selecting shellfish aquaculture…
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Delaware’s recreational summer flounder size limit to increase to 17 inches effective April 1
Delaware’s recreational summer flounder size limit to increase to 17 inches effective April 1
Possession limit and season dates unchanged
DOVER (March 15, 2017) – Effective April 1, Delaware’s recreational minimum size limit for summer flounder will increase to 17 inches. DNREC Secretary David S. Small signed an Emergency…
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MAFMC & ASMFC Set Black Sea Bass Specifications for 2017 and 2018
MAFMC & ASMFC Set Black Sea Bass Specifications for 2017 and 2018
Benchmark Assessment Finds Resource Not Overfished & Overfishing Not Occurring
Kitty Hawk, NC – The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) have approved revised specifications for…
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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Jan. 23-29
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Jan. 23-29
Reminder for the week: Conservation Order allows snow goose harvest
DOVER (Feb. 3, 2017) – To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, Fish &…
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Delaware’s 28th Annual Beach Grass Planting
Hello! We are planning the 28th Annual Beach Grass Planting. Our efforts this year will be focused on dunes that have bare areas that were not planted last year.
Each March since 1990, many dedicated volunteers have helped to build and protect Delaware’s sand dunes by planting Cape American beach grass on Delaware’s ocean and…
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Spring Trout Stocking Begins in Maryland Lakes and Streams
Press Release DNR ...
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has begun stocking about 338,000 brown, golden and rainbow trout throughout the state ahead of the 2017 fishing season.
“The trout stocking program raises several hundred thousand trout at our hatcheries, which are stocked for anglers of all ages and skill levels,” said…
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Allen Harim Reaches Agreement with Artesian on Wastewater Company will no longer discharge wastewater into nearby creek
This is awesome news!!! I was at every meeting to fight the fact Allen Harim wanted to dump even more water into Beaverdam Creek, which drains into the Broadkill River, to the Roosevelt Inlet, and ultimately the Delaware Bay. Representative Steven Smyk and I spoke to representatives from Allen Harim and DNREC about why we didn't want this…
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DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife announces exciting additions to the Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament
DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife announces exciting additions to the Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament
DOVER (Jan. 24, 2017) – The Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife is pleased to announce the Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament and the Live Release program will this year begin offering collectible award lapel pins to anglers for…
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ASMFC Public Comments For Summer Flounder Due By Thursday 5 PM
Last night was the ASMFC public comment period for the flounder reductions. You have until Thursday by 5 PM to get your comments to the ASMFC. You can email your comments to krootes-murdy@asmfc.org Without going into a huge amount of detail there are five options. You can see the options at this link, DRAFT ADDENDUM XXVIII TO THE…
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ASMFC public hearing in Dover on recreational summer flounder harvest reduction options
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to hold Jan. 17 public hearing in Dover on recreational summer flounder harvest reduction options
DOVER (Dec. 30, 2016) – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) will hold a public hearing on a proposed addendum to the interstate fishery management plan (FMP) for summer flounder at…
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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Jan. 2- 8
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Jan. 2- 8
Reminder for the week: After-hours entry, off-roading and target shooting in wildlife areas are unlawful
DOVER (Jan. 13, 2017) – To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe…
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National Academies Releases New Review of Marine Recreational Information Program
National Academies Releases New Review of Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), Recognizes Agency for "Impressive Progress"
January 10, 2017
Today, the National Academies of Sciences released a comprehensive follow-up review to its 2006 independent, expert analysis of NOAA Fisheries’ saltwater recreational information collection…
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DNREC Confiscates Two smalltooth sawfish rostrums
DOVER (Jan. 6, 2017) – To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between Dec. 26-Jan. 1 made 676 contacts with anglers, hunters, boaters and the general public,…
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BOEM Denies Atlantic Seismic G&G Permits
BOEM Denies Atlantic Seismic G&G Permits
01-06-2017 WASHINGTON, DC
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) today announced the denial of six pending geophysical and geological (G&G) permit applications to conduct airgun seismic surveys in the Mid- and South Atlantic Planning Areas of the Atlantic Ocean. The decision is based on…
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Dunes in state parks closed to sledding and snowboarding
Dunes in state parks closed to sledding and snowboarding
REHOBOTH BEACH (Jan. 5, 2017) – With predictions of snow in the forecast, DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation reminds residents and visitors that dunes should not be used for sledding or snowboarding.
“Dunes contain fragile habitat and provide protection for the beaches and…
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NOAA Fisheries Announces a Commercial Trip Limit for Dolphin in the Atlantic
NOAA Fisheries Announces a Commercial Trip Limit
for Dolphin in the Atlantic
The final rule implementing Regulatory Amendment 1 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery of the Atlantic (Regulatory Amendment 1) will publish in the Federal Register on December 30, 2016 (81 FR 96388). The final rule becomes…
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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Dec. 19-25
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Dec. 19-25
Reminder for the week: Purchase your 2017 Delaware fishing license starting Jan. 1
DOVER (Dec. 30, 2016) – To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public…
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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Dec. 12-18
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Dec. 12-18
Reminder for the week: Know where to go to try out new ATVs, firearms
DOVER (Dec. 23, 2016) – To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, Fish…
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State’s shellfish aquaculture program takes major step forward
State’s shellfish aquaculture program takes major step forward with new approval process for limited areas of cultivation
DOVER (Dec. 22, 2016) – The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has adopted a process for abbreviated review and approval of shellfish aquaculture leases by DNREC’s Division of Water…
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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Dec. 5 – Dec. 11
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter:
Dec. 5 – Dec. 11
Reminder for the week: Boat owners reminded to renew boat registrations before New Year use
DOVER (Dec. 16, 2016) – To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure…
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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Nov. 28-Dec. 4
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Nov. 28-Dec. 4
Reminder for the week: Public urged to report violations of hunting and wildlife regulations through Operation Game Theft
DOVER (Dec. 9, 2016) – To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife…
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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Nov. 21-27
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter:
Nov. 21-27
Reminder for the week: Boaters need proper gear, safety equipment for cooler fall weather
DOVER (Dec. 2, 2016) – To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and…
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ASMFC public hearings on changes to plans for Atlantic menhaden and Jonah crab inDelaware
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to hold Dec. 8 public hearings on changes to interstate management plans for Atlantic menhaden and Jonah crab
DOVER (Nov. 29, 2016) – DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife will host Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) public hearings on proposed changes to the interstate…
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Watch For Turtles And Not Just On Roads
Lots of turtles are out there and they are not only trying to cross the road but they can get into crab pots. You are required to have turtle guards (excluders) on your crab pots. If you do not and DNREC finds them you will be fined. "Officer Field Report June 20, 2016: AFC Adam Roark sent this picture in to show the importance of…
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DNREC, DHSS issue new fish consumption advisories
DNREC, DHSS issue new fish consumption advisories reflecting significant improvements in New Castle County
DOVER (June 7, 2016) – Updated consumption advisories for fish caught in Delaware waterways show some of the most significant improvements in fish tissue contaminant concentrations since the state began assessing contaminants…
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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: March 28-April 3
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: March 28-April 3
Reminder for the week: Keeping striped bass from spawning grounds during spawning season unlawful
DOVER (April 8, 2016) – To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and…
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DNREC’s 27th Annual Beach Grass Planting Covered Five Miles
DNREC’s 27th annual beach grass planting March 19 covered five miles in helping preserve and protect Delaware’s coastline
DOVER (March 24, 2015) – Almost one thousand hardy volunteers who turned out in the face of cold and snow for DNREC’s 27th Annual Beach Grass Planting March 19 enabled the planting this year of more than five…
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Horseshoe Crab Spawning Survey volunteer training
Horseshoe Crab Spawning Survey volunteer training offered Saturday, April 2 and Wednesday, April 6
DOVER (March 24, 2016) – DNREC’s Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve (DNERR) is seeking volunteers to assist with the annual bay-wide horseshoe crab spawning survey in May and June on Ted Harvey Wildlife Area, Kitts Hummock and North…
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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Feb. 15-21
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Feb. 15-21
Reminder for the week: Wildlife, fishing, boating area visitors asked to respect natural resources
DOVER (Feb. 26, 2016) – To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure…
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Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO)
Just a heads up ... MARCO a committee to gather information only. They have zero authority. So if you do go to this meeting keep that in mind. The last one was a circus with people thinking that MARCO was going to regulate and possibly shut down the fishery, they had to remind people over and over that they do not have any authority. Also if…
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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Dec. 28-Jan. 3
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Dec. 28-Jan. 3
Reminder for the week: Take note of winter hunting, fishing seasons and prep for weather
DOVER (Jan. 8, 2016) – To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating…
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Public Workshops on Wildlife Program Services, Hunting and Trapping License Fees
Division of Fish & Wildlife schedules public workshops on wildlife program services, hunting and trapping license fees
Conservation Access Pass for state wildlife areas also under consideration
DOVER (Dec. 17, 2015) – DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife will hold a series of public workshops to share information and gather…
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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Dec. 7-13
DNREC press release for immediate release (these are called press releases, because they are sent to media outlets to be published as written for public awareness.) There are some great tips for people getting ATV's and firearms for Christmas. What you should know about using these gifts and where you can and cannot go to play on your new ATV or…
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Delaware’s Wildlife Action Plan submitted to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for review
Delaware’s Wildlife Action Plan submitted to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for review
DOVER (Oct. 5, 2015) – Delaware’s Wildlife Action Plan (DEWAP) for 2015-2025, two years in the making through a wide range of partnerships and public input, has been submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for approval, DNREC’s Division…
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DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter
DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: July 27-Aug. 2
Reminder for the week: Review blue crab regulations, including size limits, before crabbing
DOVER (Aug. 7, 2015) – To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe…
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DNREC announces plans to dredge Little River near Dover
DNREC announces plans to dredge Little River near Dover
Project set to improve navigation, enhance access, benefit waterbird habitat
in Little Creek Wildlife Area; temporary road closures to occur
DOVER (July 31, 2015) – DNREC’s Divisions of Watershed Stewardship and Fish & Wildlife today announced plans for a cooperative dredging…
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Commercial Conch Waterman Arrested
Commercial conch waterman arrested for felony tampering, reckless endangering, numerous fisheries charges
NEAR BOWERS BEACH, Del. (July 28, 2015) – DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested a New Jersey-based, Delaware-licensed commercial waterman July 24 on numerous fisheries-related charges…
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Black Sea Bass size limits, trip limits, seasons, and quotas
PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO 7 DE ADMIN CODE 3507 BLACK SEA BASS SIZE LIMIT; TRIP LIMITS; SEASONS; QUOTAS (12.0 & 12.1)
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC)/ Division of Fish & Wildlife will conduct a public hearing on Wednesday August 26, 2015 at 6:00 PM regarding proposed…
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Numbered Delaware Surf Fishing Tags Details
I sent an email to Greg Abbott at DNREC about the questions raised with the new numbered Delaware Surf Fishing tags. I hope this answers some of the concerns. Some of this information is tentative but should answer any concerns.
Greg,
Okay so I knew this would happen, so now after everyone on Facebook threw in their 2 cents, I have…
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DNREC issues multiple citations for shark fishing violations
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police issue multiple citations for shark fishing violations
Anglers urged to review shark species, regulations for restrictions before casting lines
DOVER (July 20, 2015) – As part of continuing enforcement vigilance and a public awareness campaign about protected shark species that anglers are prohibited…
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Public input sought for 2015 Wildlife Action Plan draft revision
Public input sought for DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife’s 2015 Wildlife Action Plan draft revision
Open house meetings set for July 28-30 in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties
DOVER (July 6, 2015) – Over the last year, DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife and its conservation partners have worked with wildlife experts…
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Delaware’s horseshoe crab commercial fishery to close for 2015 on July 9
Delaware’s horseshoe crab commercial fishery to close for 2015 on July 9
DOVER (July 6, 2015) – Delaware’s commercial horseshoe crab harvest is approaching this year’s quota of 154,527 horseshoe crabs, prompting DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife to announce that, in accordance with Delaware law and regulations, the horseshoe crab…
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Rosedale Beach Boat Ramp upgrades completed
Rosedale Beach Boat Ramp upgrades completed ahead of schedule Ramp ready for 4th of July weekend
DOVER (July 1, 2015) – DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife announced today that upgrades at the Rosedale Beach Boat Ramp near Millsboro are now complete, in time for the busy 4th of July holiday weekend. The work, which started June 24,…
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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police join in rescue of swimmer off Dewey Beach
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police join in rescue of swimmer off Dewey Beach
DEWEY BEACH (June 30, 2015) – DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers worked with the Delaware State Police Trooper 2 helicopter unit and Dewey Beach lifeguards today to locate and rescue a swimmer reported too far…
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Swimming advisory for Prime Hook to Slaughter Beach
Swimming advisory for Prime Hook to Slaughter Beach
DNREC has announced a swimming advisory for Prime Hook to Slaughter beach north of Milton Delaware. Heavy rainfall may have caused heavy bacteria levels due to run off. The will keep monitoring the water levels until the water is safe for swimmers. All of you surf anglers up…
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Gordons Pond Trail on Cape Henlopen closed temporarily
Gordons Pond Trail on Cape Henlopen closed temporarily Tuesday, June 30 for mosquito control spraying
LEWES (June 29, 2015) – DNREC’s Mosquito Control Section plans to spray insecticide for mosquito larvae Tuesday morning within Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware Seashore State Park and Fenwick Island State Park, weather…
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Delaware State record Blueline Tilefish confirmed by DNREC
State record 19.7-pound blueline tilefish caught in Baltimore Canyon by Lewes angler
LEWES (June 26, 2015) – DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife has confirmed a new state record in the Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament: a 19.7-pound blueline tilefish caught on June 19 in the Atlantic Ocean’s Baltimore Canyon, some 65 miles…
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Operation Dry Water June 26-28
Delaware to participate in Operation Dry Water June 26-28
to prevent alcohol-related boating accidents and save lives
DOVER (June 24, 2015) – DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police today announced Delaware’s active participation in Operation Dry Water, an annual nationwide enforcement and education event aimed…
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Upgrades Continue at Rosedale Beach Boat Ramp
Division of Fish & Wildlife upgrades continue at Rosedale Beach boat ramp to install floating dock; intermittent closures expected
DOVER (June 22, 2015) – DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife announced today that upgrades and an associated construction schedule at the Rosedale Beach Boat Ramp near Millsboro have been extended to…
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Delaware State Police seek witnesses to fatal motorcycle accident at Cape Henlopen State Park
DNREC Natural Resources Police, Delaware State Police seek witnesses to fatal motorcycle accident at Cape Henlopen State Park
LEWES (June 13, 2015) – DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation Natural Resources Police are asking anyone who might have witnessed a motorcycle accident Thursday evening at Cape Henlopen State Park that…
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Four Delaware artificial reefs in Atlantic Ocean to receive federal designation
Four Delaware artificial reefs in Atlantic Ocean
to receive federal designation July 9 as Special Management Zones
Only hook-and-line and spear fishing will be allowed in designated zones
DOVER (June 12, 2015) – The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has established Special Management Zones (SMZ) at four of Delaware’s Atlantic…
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Piping plover chicks popping out all over at Cape Henlopen
Piping plover chicks popping out all over at Cape Henlopen
LEWES (June 4, 2015) – As of June 1, no fewer than nine piping plover chicks were being shepherded around the Point at Cape Henlopen by their parents, Division of Fish & Wildlife beach-nesting monitors reported – with two piping plover nests on the Point still being…
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Emergency Management Measures for the Blueline Tilefish Start Today
NOAA Fisheries announces emergency management measures for the blueline tilefish fishery in the Greater Atlantic Region at the recommendation of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council. The purpose of this emergency action is to limit fishing mortality on unregulated blueline tilefish.
The measures, which go into effect today, Thursday,…
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Anglers invited to fish for free in Delaware waters June 6 and 7
Anglers invited to fish for free in Delaware waters June 6 and 7
DOVER (June 1, 2015) – Been thinking of casting a line into a nearby stream or daydreaming about a sunny afternoon at the beach with your surf rod, but just haven’t gotten around to purchasing your 2015 Delaware fishing license yet? DNREC’s Division of Fish &…
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Public Hearing On Proposed Amendments For Tilefish
PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO 7 DE ADMIN CODE 3500 TIDAL FINFISH TO INCLUDE A NEW 3542 TILEFISH
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC)/ Division of Fish & Wildlife will conduct a public hearing on Wednesday June 24, 2015 at 6:00 PM regarding proposed amendments to 7 DE Admin Code 3500 Tidal Finfish to…
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Churchmans Road boat ramp on Christina River reopened
Churchmans Road boat ramp on Christina River reopened by DNREC after temporary closure for access evaluation
NEWARK (May 22, 2015) – The Churchmans Road boat ramp located on the Christina River – closed over the last year while it was evaluated for public access – has reopened in time for the Memorial Day weekend and for continuous…
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Stretch of beach at Cape Henlopen State Park closed
Stretch of beach at Cape Henlopen State Park closed to safeguard nesting piping plovers
LEWES (May 18, 2015) – The first piping plover nest of the season at Gordons Pond Beach in Cape Henlopen State Park has been discovered, with the parents-to-be defending their territory, DNREC Wildlife Biologist Matthew Bailey announced today.…
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Boater throws knife at Fishermen
Below is the DNREC press release and, yes ... that is a harsh title, but I wanted to get your attention.
Do I have it?
Controlling a boat inside the Indian River Inlet can be a chore to say the least. I watched guys today volley for position to fish while trying to respect each other's space. This is not an easy task and unfortunately it is…
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New parking restrictions in place for vehicles at Delaware State Parks’ surf-fishing beaches
New parking restrictions in place for vehicles at Delaware State Parks’ surf-fishing beaches
Effective immediately, only single-file parking to be allowed on state surf-fishing beaches
DOVER (May 12, 2015) – Delaware State Parks Director Ray Bivens announced today that recreational surf-fishing management changes that include…
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Family program on Delaware’s horseshoe crab spawning survey
Family program on Delaware’s horseshoe crab spawning survey
set for May 16 at Bowers Beach
DOVER (May 11, 2015) – Families are invited to a free program on the bay-wide horseshoe crab spawning survey scheduled for 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 16 at Bowers Beach. The program, hosted by the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve…
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Recreational striped bass regulation change to take effect on May 11
Division of Fish & Wildlife reminds anglers:
Recreational striped bass regulation change to take effect on May 11
DOVER (May 7, 2015) – DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife reminds anglers that the new recreational striped bass regulation will take effect May 11. The revised regulation brings Delaware into compliance with…
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Delaware shifts recreational black sea bass season four days earlier to May 15
Delaware shifts recreational black sea bass season four days earlier to May 15
DOVER (May 6, 2015) – DNREC Secretary David Small has signed an Emergency Order changing the opening day of recreational black sea bass season to May 15 rather than the previously established May 19 date, thereby keeping Delaware’s tidal finfish…
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First piping plover nest of the season found at the Point
First piping plover nest of the season found at the Point
Training for beachnesting bird monitors to be held May 17 at Cape Henlopen State Park
LEWES (May 1, 2015) – Beachnesting bird monitors on April 25 spotted the first piping plover nest of the season on the Point at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes – one of the earliest piping…
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Delaware City Refinery chemical release
Heads up North Delaware ....
According to the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Control's emergency alert system, Delaware City Refinery was releasing thousands of pounds of a toxic chemical into the air. The Wrangle Hill Facility was releasing 3,500 pounds of sulfur dioxide every hour due to a boiler problem according to DNREC.…
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Nominations sought for Delaware’s 2015 Wetland Warriors
Nominations sought for Delaware’s 2015 Wetland Warriors
Award honors exemplary efforts that benefit Delaware wetlands
DOVER (April 28, 2015) – The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is seeking nominations for the 2015 Delaware Wetland Warrior Award to recognize exemplary efforts to protect wetlands…
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Christina River Cleanup on Saturday, April 18
Volunteers sought for 24th annual Christina River Cleanup on Saturday, April 18
Longstanding state environmental event to include two new sites along Brandywine River
NEW CASTLE COUNTY (April 16, 2015) – Volunteers are needed to join the Christina River Watershed Cleanup along the river and several of its tributaries on Saturday,…
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Delaware’s new recreational striped bass regulation to take effect on May 11
DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife announces new recreational striped bass regulation to take effect on May 11
Regulation to reduce recreational harvest by 25 percent for fishery compliance
DOVER (April 9, 2015) – DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife announced today that the new recreational striped bass regulation will be…
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Oil Rig Explodes in Gulf Of Mexico
What does this have to do with Delaware you ask? Everything, because tomorrow night there is a meeting in Dover basically about permits for seismic testing and drilling in the Atlantic Ocean. Despite what you may think about drilling, oil spills etc. This is obviously not a very safe thing to do at sea especially for the 4 people…
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Delaware’s 2015 striped bass regulations
Striped bass spawning season starts tomorrow ...
The new striped bass regulations from DNREC ... "Secretary’s Order No. 2015-F-0010 was signed March 30, 2015 approving amendments to the striped bass regulations. The order has been posted online. http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/Info/Documents/Secretarys%20Order%202015-F-0010.pdf ) .
In…
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DE Meeting on Seismic Testing in the Atlantic
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management hosts open house in Delaware Thursday, April 2 to sound out public on seismic permitting in Atlantic Ocean
DOVER (March 26, 2015) – The federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will host two open houses Thursday, April 2 in Delaware to share information on the geological and geophysical (G&G)…
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DNREC seeking volunteers for 2015 Horseshoe Crab Spawning Survey
DNREC seeking volunteers for 2015 Horseshoe Crab Spawning Survey
Volunteer training to be offered April 11and 16
DOVER (March 31, 2015) – The Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve (DNERR) is seeking volunteers to assist with DNREC’s annual bay-wide horseshoe crab spawning survey in May and June on the Ted Harvey Wildlife…
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Northside campground ribbon cutting
New campground and other enhancements transform Delaware Seashore State Park
REHOBOTH BEACH (March 27, 2015) – Governor Jack Markell, Federal Highway Administration Delaware Administrator Mary Ridgeway, DelDOT Secretary Jennifer Cohan, and DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation Director Ray Bivens joined other officials today for a…
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Annual wild turkey hunt for youth and non-ambulatory disabled hunters
Annual wild turkey hunt for youth and non-ambulatory disabled hunters set for April 4
DOVER (March 27, 2015) – Prior to the start of Delaware’s 2015 spring wild turkey season, youths aged 10 to 15 and non-ambulatory disabled hunters will have a special one-day turkey hunt opportunity on Saturday, April 4. Youth and disabled hunters…
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Assawoman Wildlife Area road closures
Assawoman Wildlife Area road closures announced due to boat ramp improvements
FRANKFORD (March 27, 2015) – The access road to Mulberry Landing Boat Ramp on Assawoman Wildlife Area near Bethany Beach will be partially closed periodically over the next two to three weeks for boat ramp improvements including bulkhead replacement, DNREC’s…
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DNREC News and Updates
While my articles may not be as funny or as whimsical as all the other writers here, I will be covering all of the DNREC meetings relating to the beaches and fishing. I've been fishing since I was about 5 years old, and save for a brief stint in Michigan, I've been doing it my entire life. During the course of all of this fishing I've seen to…
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Flying Drones is Restricted in Delaware State Parks
DNREC Parks Enforcement reminds visitors that flying drones is restricted in Delaware State Parks
DOVER (March 25, 2015) – With the increasing popularity of unmanned aircraft, particularly hobby drones, DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation reminds visitors to Delaware State Parks that the use of drones on all park lands is restricted and…
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Oil Spill Cleanup Update Oil Washed Ashore Sunday at Battery Park
DNREC continues to oversee cleanup of oil from earlier spill that washed ashore Sunday at Battery Park in New Castle
NEW CASTLE (March 16, 2015) – DNREC’s Emergency Response Team continues to oversee the cleanup today of oil from a cargo-ship spill last week at the Port of Wilmington that washed ashore Sunday at Battery Park in New Castle.…
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DNREC cautions anglers about ice on trout ponds
DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife cautions anglers about ice on trout ponds
DOVER (March 11, 2015) – Anglers eager for opening day of trout season on Saturday at Tidbury Pond near Dover and Newton Pond near
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Delaware State Parks fee season begins March 1
Delaware State Parks fee season begins March 1
DOVER (Feb. 27, 2015) – DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation reminds visitors to Delaware’s state parks that entrance fees will
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DNREC seeks volunteers for Citizen Osprey Monitoring Project
DNREC seeks volunteers for Citizen Osprey Monitoring Project Division of Fish & Wildlife to hold orientations March 7 and 8
DOVER (Feb. 26, 2015) – Delaware’s Division of Fish & Wildlife is seeking volunteers
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Brandywine Zoo to open March 7
Brandywine Zoo to open March 7 featuring Star Wars “invasion” and new Tamarin exhibit
WILMINGTON (Feb. 24, 2015) – The Brandywine Zoo, which opens for the spring season on
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Spring 2015 Trout Stocking Plans For Downstate Delaware Ponds
DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife announces spring 2015 trout stocking plans for downstate ponds Trout anglers encouraged to check requirements before fishing
DOVER (Feb. 25, 2015) – The Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife today announced that its spring 2015 downstate trout season will begin
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