DOVER – Following a tip made from within Delaware Seashore State Park, DNREC’s Natural Resources Police Park Rangers charged a Seaford man with landing a prohibited shark species, in connection with taking a sandbar shark out of the water while fishing June 11 at 3Rs beach within the park.

Jay Katz, 65, was cited by Park Rangers for one count of catching and removing from the water a prohibited shark species. Katz was released, with his surf fishing permit suspended, pending an appearance in the Court of Common Pleas in Georgetown at a later date.

Certain shark species found in Delaware waters, including sandbar sharks, are prohibited species. They must be released as quickly as possible if caught, and must not be removed from the water when releasing them. Many different species of sharks can be found in both the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean. In addition to dogfish sharks and popular sport fishing species such as the mako and thresher, anglers may encounter several prohibited species, including sandbar and sand tiger sharks.

Anglers are prohibited from keeping sand tiger sharks, as well as sandbar sharks. Hook-and-line anglers cannot remove from the water any sandbar or sand tiger shark, or any other prohibited species of shark, all of which must be immediately released in a manner that will ensure maximum probability of survival.

A complete listing of shark regulations is available at Delaware Code – shark regulations. For more information on identifying shark species, visit Delaware’s Most Commonly Misidentified Sharks on DNREC’s website. Additional information about sandbar sharks can also found on the DNREC website.

Citizens are encouraged to report surf fishing violations to DNREC Natural Resources Police Park Rangers by calling 302-739-4580 or by downloading the “DENRP Tip 411” app on a smartphone, which enables citizens to send anonymous tips to authorities.

Media contact: Beth Shockley, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 49, No. 175

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FELTON – Governor John Carney, DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin, and Delaware Department of Education Secretary Susan Bunting joined a group of third-graders and their families from South Dover, W. Reily Brown, and Star Hill elementary schools, for the 4th annual Delaware Outdoor Family – Governor’s Campout at Killens Pond State Park over the weekend.

The Governor’s Campout, part of Great Outdoors Month, offers the opportunity for families to become more familiar with camping, and helps to strengthen the relationship between family members, the environment, parks, and the community. This year, DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation partnered with the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE), to focus on the importance of reading and science. The event was linked to the state Department of Education’s Next Generation Science Standards implementation, and the Governor’s and DDOE’s literacy initiative.

“Third grade literacy is critical to the future success of our students,” said Governor Carney. “This is the time when students shift from the fundamentals of learning how to read, to reading to learn. I’m proud we can launch our literacy plan while inspiring the next generation of park enthusiasts. Improving literacy and science education will better prepare Delaware students for success.”

“Getting young people outdoors is critical for their health and well-being,” said Secretary Garvin. “At the same time, science education and reading prepare Delaware’s youth for science careers, emphasizes their role in keeping our environment healthy, and helps our young people continue to be good environmental stewards.”

“Students need to develop strong literacy skills in order to successfully absorb information in math, science, social studies, the arts and every other subject,” said Secretary Bunting. “Outside the classroom, students can use the literacy and scientific skills they’ve acquired in outdoor explorations to better engage with their families, their environment, and their communities.”

Students and their families, teachers, staff, and others, participated in night hikes, stargazing, history and other programs over the weekend. They also took time out to enjoy the traditional camping treat, s’mores over a campfire.

Great Outdoors Month is a national celebration of state and national parks across the country. It includes events such as Capital Campouts, Governor’s Campouts, National Trails Day, National Get Outdoors Day, and the Great American Campout.

Contact: Beth Shockley, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 49, No. 167

DAGSBORO – DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin was joined by State Senator Gerald Hocker, State Representative Ronald Gray, and other supporters at a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate numerous new enhancements at Holts Landing State Park in Dagsboro.

Improvements include a new playground, an improved, A.D.A.-accessible hiking trail, and a freshly-paved parking area and roadway.

“Since 2016, the Division of Parks & Recreation, with the financial support of Senator Gerald Hocker and Representative Ronald Gray, along with the tireless support of the Friends of Holts Landing State Park, have undertaken a number of projects to enhance the visitor experience at this oasis on the southern shore of the Indian River Bay,” said Secretary Garvin. “I thank Senator Hocker and Representative Gray, the Friends of Holts Landing State Park, and the Division of Parks & Recreation, for making these many improvements possible.”

Construction is also underway on a new boardwalk that will stretch more than 600 feet across marsh to complete the Sea Hawk trail loop, and a viewing platform that will overlook the marsh.

Media Contact: Beth Shockley, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

FENWICK ISLAND – On Saturday, June 15, and Sunday, June 16, DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation’s Natural Resource Police Rangers conducted a targeted enforcement operation for compliance with Delaware’s surf fishing regulations at surf fishing beaches and surf crossings at Fenwick Island and Cape Henlopen State Parks. The operation was in response to complaints of surf-fishers failing to abide by regulations, particularly the “actively engaged” rule for fishing from the beach.

“We are continuing to concentrate on compliance with state parks’ surf fishing rules and regulations as an enforcement priority,” said DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation Director Ray Bivens, who joined DNREC Park Rangers in the enforcement operation. “While we invite properly-licensed anglers to enjoy surf fishing on our state park beaches, we will work to ensure that they are actively engaged in surf fishing and abiding by the rules.”

On Saturday, Parks Rangers, along with officers from DNREC’s Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, checked every vehicle on the surf-fishing beach at Fenwick Island State Park, to ensure at least one occupant was actively engaged in surf fishing. The “actively-engaged” check resulted in 24 citations and warnings for various violations of surf fishing regulations, including anglers not possessing required fishing and vehicle equipment.

On Saturday and Sunday, Park Rangers, assisted by Park Watch volunteers, conducted four surf fishing compliance checks at surf crossings within Cape Henlopen and Fenwick Island State Parks. More than 300 vehicles were checked.

Park Rangers remind surf-fishing permit holders that all individuals who drive on designated surf fishing beaches must possess a valid surf fishing vehicle permit; must be actively engaged in surf fishing; must possess required surf fishing vehicle equipment, including a jack, shovel, low-pressure tire gauge, board, and tow strap; and also must possess proper saltwater fishing tackle.

Media contact: Beth Shockley, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 49, No. 164

REHOBOTH BEACH – The Indian River Marina, owned and operated by DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation, is still accepting registrations for the 5th annual “Kids Catch-All” fishing tournament Friday, June 21 – Sunday, June 23 at the marina. Children and teenagers aged 3-18 are invited to participate in the event, during which every young angler will receive a prize.

During the tournament, anglers may fish from the jetties, off the beach by boat and head boat. Ocean and bay fishing is permitted. Adults are allowed to assist the young anglers.

Registration is $25 per child or $150 per boat with up to six participants. The fee includes a free event t-shirt and all-you-can-eat dinners on Saturday and Sunday evenings for kids entered in the tournament. Other family members can also attend the dinners for a $10 fee.

Onsite registration will be open Friday evening, June 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday morning, June 22 from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. Online registration is available now via www.kidscatchall.com. All children must be registered either online by 8 p.m. Friday or in-person by 8 a.m. Saturday to participate. All registrants need to visit the tournament booth to pick up a copy of the tournament rules before fishing.

Custom trophies in 15 different categories will be awarded to the winners at the awards banquet held Sunday evening. Each registrant will also receive a special gift from Hook’em and Cook’em Outfitters. Door prizes will be awarded each night during dinner.

Weigh-in is from 3-6:30 p.m. Saturday, and 3-6 p.m. Sunday. The marina’s weighmaster is expected to make the process fun for the whole family. A leader board will be maintained, and pictures of the kids and their catches will be taken by the Coastal Fisherman, an Ocean City, Md.-based newspaper.

A portion of the proceeds benefits the Lyme Disease Association of Delmarva, Inc. More information about the fishing tournament or how to become a sponsor is available by calling Lyme Disease Association of Delmarva at 410-749-LYME or 410-726-4573.

More information about the contest is available from the Indian River Marina at 302-227-3071.

Media Contact: Beth Shockley, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902