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

Regulations and Licensing

Circle Hooks for Striped Bass

Sport Fish Restoration

Learn how partnerships among industry, state fish and wildlife agencies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have helped sport fish restoration and conservation and increased angling and boating opportunities nationwide.

This short video explores these Sport Fish Restoration Program partnerships and the opportunities for anglers and boaters funded by excise taxes on angling equipment and motorboat fuel.

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, the Delaware Bay, and coastal waters and study how different species are faring.

Among other research and responsibilities, they track invasive fish species, provide guidance for Delaware pond owners, and guidance on controlling aquatic plants and herbicides.

Commercial Fishing

The DNREC Division Fish and Wildlife provides a summary of Delaware’s commercial fishing regulations. While the summary is useful, it is important to also review the relevant regulations, and the state laws they are based on.

Striped Bass

List of striped bass weigh stations

Shellfish Aquaculture

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

Oysters

The 2023 oyster season is in two parts: April 1 through May 31 and Sept. 1 through Dec. 30.

The total quota for the fishery is 13,016 bushels.

Commercial Fishing Report Forms

Delaware law (7 Del.C. §§914 and 1910) requires commercial fishermen to submit monthly reports to the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife. The forms below are fillable PDF forms. Please save them to your hard drive and use the free Adobe Acrobat reader to complete them and save a completed copy to submit.

Related Topics:  dfw, fish and wildlife, fisheries, fishing, outdoors, outdoors and recreation, recreation, research