DOVER – The American eel would seem one of the slipperiest species to get a population handle on, but a new DNREC YouTube Channel video shows otherwise – with Division of Fish & Wildlife biologists conducting a survey of young “glass eels” tallied thousands at a time by “enumerating them volumetrically” with a device known as a splitter box.

On a single splitter capture, as DNREC’s YouTube Channel documented the effort, more than 7,000 eels were counted – which fisheries biologist Jordan Zimmerman said indicated a good abundance of American eels in the Delaware Estuary (a survey day earlier this year turned up 65,000 glass eels, while another day’s count in a recent year reached almost 100,000).

The glass eel count program was established as a fisheries management plan tool for monitoring reproduction in the American eel. “Glass eels” are another stage of the American eel’s life cycle, first stage being the egg, which hatches into larvae drifting on the Gulf Stream and eventually metamorphosing to the glass eel stage and swimming toward shore and the estuaries. “The glass eel gets its name because it’s fairly translucent. Once it reaches fresh water, it will start to get pigment, and will eventually become what’s known as a yellow eel,” says Zimmerman.

Eels in Delaware remain in the yellow phase from six to 10 years, when they metamorphose again into the silver eel phase. “They essentially cease eating at that point…for the long migration back to the Sargasso Sea and the Caribbean” – to spawn once before they die, and start the eel migration cycle back to Delaware waters.

“Eels play both a valuable ecological and economical role in Delaware,” Zimmerman says in the video, “typically averaging out to be the third largest finfishery here in terms of their economic value. Ecologically, they are prey for numerous species of birds, fish, turtles, etc.”

On the DNREC YouTube Channel video Zimmerman is convinced by this year’s glass eel survey that “Things are looking up for the abundance of American eel, and the persistence of the species, and its (continued) importance in the Delaware Estuary.”

Media Contact: Michael Globetti, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 67

Reminder for week: Anglers need fishing license, trout stamp, FIN number for trout season

DOVER – 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, DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between Feb. 22-28 made 1,245 contacts with anglers, boaters, hunters and the general public, including 32 vessel boardings for boating safety and fishing regulation compliance checks. Officers responded to 28 complaints and issued 24 citations, one of which was related to the C&D Canal Conservation Area and associated recreational trail, where there is an increased Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police presence.

An incident of note:

• On Feb. 27, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police cited Jonathan D. Ryan, 34, of Lewes for one count of possession of marijuana at the C&D Canal Conservation Area near Middletown. Ryan was fined $131 including court costs for the civil violation.

Citations issued this week by offense category included the following, with the number of charges in parentheses:

Wildlife Conservation: Operating a motor vehicle off an established roadway on a state wildlife area (1), trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (3), hunting snow geese without a Conservation Order number/federal regulation (3), and littering/dumping on a state wildlife area (1).

Fisheries Conservation: Possession of undersized striped bass (2), and possession of undersized white perch (1).

Boating and Boating Safety: Operating an unregistered vessel (1).

Public Safety: Possession of marijuana (3)*, possession of a controlled or counterfeit substance/heroin (1), and possession of drug paraphernalia (1).

Natural Resources Police processed the following charges for Delaware State Police: Criminal impersonation (2), driving without a valid license (1), driving with a suspended or revoked license (2), and speeding in excess posted limits (2).

* One citation for possession of marijuana was issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area.

• NOTE: See DNREC press release detailing charges included in this week’s blotter: DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police arrest Felton man on drug charges and multiple warrants

Are you AWARE?

DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police reminds anglers that with trout season opening downstate at 7 a.m. Saturday, March 5 and other spring fishing opportunities coming up soon, they will need to purchase their 2016 Delaware fishing license and, specifically for trout fishing, a state trout stamp. Trout will be stocked in Tidbury Pond near Dover in Kent County and Newton Pond outside of Greenwood in Sussex County. Both ponds are currently closed to all fishing until opening day on March 5. Upstate, trout season in six stocked trout streams opens at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 2.

A resident annual Delaware recreational fishing license, which covers fresh and tidal waters as well as crabbing and clamming, costs $8.50 for ages 16 through 64. Persons under the age of 16 and residents age 65 and older are not required to purchase fishing licenses in Delaware, although exempt persons may purchase fishing licenses and trout stamps if they so choose to help support fisheries management and trout stocking efforts. For non-resident anglers age 16 and older, a Delaware fishing license costs $20.

Most trout anglers also must purchase a Delaware Trout Stamp, with the exception of anglers younger than age 12 and resident anglers age 65 and older. For residents age 16 through 64, a trout stamp costs $4.20. For residents age 12 through 15, a youth trout stamp costs $2.10. For non-residents, a trout stamp is required for all anglers age 12 and older and costs $6.20.

Both resident and non-resident anglers age 16 and older also are required to obtain a Delaware Fisherman Information Network (FIN) number. The free number is included as part of a Delaware fishing license purchase. License-exempt anglers, including Delaware residents 65 and older, may visit www.delaware-fin.com or call 800-432-9228 toll-free to obtain their free FIN number.

Delaware fishing licenses and trout stamps are sold online, at the licensing desk in DNREC’s Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, and by license agents statewide. To find a participating agent, or to purchase a license online, visit Delaware Licenses. For additional information, call 302-739-9918.

For more information on fishing in Delaware, click on 2016 Delaware Fishing Guide. The guide also is available in printed form at DNREC’s Dover licensing desk, and from license agents throughout the state.

DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife recognizes and thanks the majority of anglers, hunters and boaters who comply with and support Delaware’s fishing, hunting and boating laws and regulations. Citizens are encouraged to report fish, wildlife and boating violations to the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police by calling 302-739-4580. Wildlife violations may also be reported anonymously to Operation Game Theft by calling 800-292-3030 or online at http://de.gov/ogt.

Media Contacts: Cpl. John McDerby, DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913 or 302-354-1386, or Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 68

Wilmington, DE – The Governor today extended his condolences to the family of former state Supreme Court Justice Henry Ridgely Horsey, who passed away yesterday at the age of 91. Judge Horsey served on the Delaware Supreme Court from 1978 until 1994:

“Justice Horsey left a successful career in private legal practice to pursue the higher calling of public service, continuing the commitment made by generations of Delaware’s Ridgely family since before the Revolutionary War. His intellect and wisdom on the bench strengthened Delaware’s Judiciary and contributed to our reputation for the finest state courts in the country, and his support of education, the environment and other causes will leave a lasting and positive impact on our state. I am saddened to learn of his passing and extend my condolences to his loving family.”

Wilmington, DE – In his weekly message, Governor Markell highlights the phenomenal work being done by educators in the STEM fields to better prepare their students for successful futures.

“Giving our students the best chance to thrive means exposing them to great educational opportunities in the STEM fields – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. STEM jobs are increasing much faster than average, from computer system analysts and software developers to medical scientists and biomedical engineers,” Gov. Markell said. “With quality STEM education, our young people are developing the skills to thrive in our high tech world, and they can make Delaware a hub for growing industries that require expertise in these fields. And that will keep Delaware moving forward.”

Every week, the Governor’s office releases a new Weekly Message in video, audio, and transcript form. The message is available on:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/RHm_QU3PVQE
Delaware.Gov: http://governor.delaware.gov/podcast_video.shtml
By email: Please contact our press team to subscribe to our press list
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/governormarkell
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/governormarkell

Transcript of the Governor’s Weekly Message: Expanding Educational Opportunities to Ensure Future Student Success

Giving our students the best chance to thrive means exposing them to great educational opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math–STEM. STEM jobs are increasing much faster than average, from computer system analysts and software developers to medical scientists and biomedical engineers. And preparing our students means collaboration among our school districts, our colleges and universities, and business leaders to align curriculum with the needs of the workplace.

We are making great progress through initiatives like Pathways to Prosperity, through which thousands of students will graduate with workplace experience and college credit in areas like computer science, biomedical science, and engineering. We’re increasing the number of high school students enrolled in computer programming from just several dozen two years ago to 1,000 by next year. Our middle schools have partnered with Junior Achievement to welcome STEM professionals into the classroom.

Last year, well over 100 volunteers touched more than 2,000 students. These initiatives only mean anything for our youth because of the outstanding, committed educators who are putting in hundreds of hours working together, preparing effective lesson plans, and giving each student the attention he or she deserves. They’re people like Travis Bower who was recognized for his innovative STEM instruction as a teacher at Selbyville Middle School and who more recently started a robotics program as an administrator at Georgetown Elementary. And there’s Jeffrey Killner and Robert Gibson at Sussex Central High School, they’re introducing their students to coursework in conceptual physics, cybersecurity, and computer coding. Travis, Jeffery, and Robert were among the teachers to receive awards from STEM Council this year. With quality STEM education, our young people are developing the skills to thrive in our high tech world, and they can make Delaware a hub for growing industries that require expertise in these fields. And that will keep Delaware moving forward.