Training for volunteer beachnesting bird monitors set May 14

LEWES – Volunteers who want to help protect Delaware’s endangered piping plovers and other beachnesting birds by joining DNREC’s monitoring team are invited to a training session from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 14, at Cape Henlopen State Park’s Biden Environmental Training Center, 15099 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, DE 19958.

“With the strong storms that hit Delaware’s beaches over the winter, a lot of new habitat for beachnesting birds has opened up. It will be more important than ever that we have volunteer assistance in protecting their nesting habitat so that they can take full advantage of this opportunity to further increase their populations,” said Wildlife Biologist Matthew Bailey of the Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Beachnester Monitoring Program.

The training session will begin with a slideshow followed by a discussion on the monitoring program and how volunteers can help to ensure that beachnesting shorebirds are not disturbed while rearing their chicks.

Weather permitting, the group will finish the session by venturing out to the Point at Cape Henlopen to look for piping plovers and other shorebirds likely to be feeding on the tidal flats. Birding scopes and binoculars will be available for use, but volunteers are encouraged to bring their own optics if they have them.

“Volunteers are critical to our protection efforts. When stationed at the boundaries of the nesting areas, volunteers can help explain facts to passersby about the breeding birds and the importance of keeping closed areas free of human disturbance,” Bailey said. “Without volunteers to supplement the coverage our staff provides, many people might never have the chance to better understand how humans can make a difference in the breeding success of beachnesting birds.”

Preregistration for the training is encouraged, but attendees also will be accepted at the door. Park entrance fees will be waived for volunteers attending the training by notifying the fee booth attendant. For more information on the training, beachnesting birds or monitoring efforts, please contact Matthew Bailey at 302-382-4151 or email matthew.bailey@delaware.gov.

About the piping plover
The piping plover was listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1986, and the Division of Fish and Wildlife is responsible for its protection in Delaware. Under a binding agreement and species management plan that DNREC made in 1990 with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) – the federal agency with oversight of this ESA-protected species – piping plover nesting areas at Cape Henlopen State Park are closed annually to the public to protect the shorebirds from disturbance during their nesting season from March into September. The closure, which includes the Point and smaller areas around Gordon’s Pond and with both feeding habitat and nesting areas protected, has been successful, increasing the number of piping plover nesting pairs from a low of two pairs to a high of nine pairs. Piping plovers feed on small invertebrates that inhabit the intertidal zone near their nesting territories. Chicks are not fed by their parents, but rather are led to the shoreline to forage while the adults keep watch for potential threats. Allowing pedestrian traffic in the intertidal zone adjoining nesting areas would disturb the vital link between nesting and foraging habitat and risk adverse stress or mortality to the chicks.

Media Contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 160


Nanticoke Musselwatchers program set to launch Saturday, May 7 as part of Reclaim Our River series sponsored by DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship

DOVER – With DNREC sponsorship through the Division of Watershed Stewardship, the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance (NWA) will launch a new citizen science and water quality improvement program, Nanticoke Musselwatchers, with an organizational meeting from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, May 7 at the Seaford District Library, 600 N. Market Street Ext., Seaford, DE 19973.

The goal of the Musselwatchers program is assessing the status of freshwater mussels in the Nanticoke River watershed. Freshwater mussels serve as filter feeders and are capable of filtering a liter of water in about 45 minutes, thus providing a crucial ecosystem service. However, mussels are highly sensitive to pollution, especially excessive sediment.

Volunteers will learn about freshwater mussels and species found most often in the Nanticoke watershed, and how to conduct mussel surveys in the watershed. They also will receive survey kits and adopt segments of Delaware’s portion of the watershed. Volunteers must commit to conducting at least four surveys during the May-September pilot season and to providing feedback about the program.

The Nanticoke Musselwatchers Program is a part of the 2016 Reclaim Our River (ROR) series, a partnership including the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance, DNREC’s Division of Watershed Stewardship and the Delaware Nature Society. The ROR partnership is devoted to bringing monthly events, workshops, and recreational activities to the Nanticoke River Watershed. The series offers participants fun opportunities to connect with Delaware’s waterways and provides important information on water quality that can help in protecting aquatic resources. More information at delawarewatersheds.org

Participation in this program is limited to 25 Musselwatchers and, for safety reasons, volunteers must work in teams of no fewer than two people. Prospective volunteers must pre-register at nanticokemusselwatchers.eventbrite.com or may contact Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator Beth Wasden at bethwasden@nanticokeriver.org or at 443-944-1175 for more information about the program.

The Nanticoke Watershed Alliance is a consensus-building organization that supports partnerships to conserve the natural, cultural and recreational resources of the Nanticoke River watershed. Partnership representation includes local citizens, academia, industry, agriculture, development professionals, conservation groups and government.

Media Contact: Phil Miller, DNREC Watershed Assessment and Management Section: 302-739-9939 or philip.miller@delaware.gov

Vol. 46, No. 158


Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police investigating commercial crab boat accident

Captain, crew members rescued from Delaware Bay without injuries

PORT MAHON – DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police are investigating an accident in which a commercial crabbing vessel capsized Thursday afternoon after it was swamped by high waves in rough waters off Port Mahon east of Dover in the Delaware Bay.

The vessel’s 34-year-old captain from Townsend and two crew members – a 38-year-old Townsend man and a 50-year-old man from Dover – were located clinging to the overturned crab boat after spending several hours in the water. All three were rescued by Little Creek Volunteer Fire Company with no injuries reported. The vessel was righted and towed to dock by the Leipsic Volunteer Fire Company.

In addition to Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers and marine units from the Little Creek and Leipsic fire companies, responders included the Bowers Beach Fire Company marine unit and the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit.

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

Vol. 46, No. 159


Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: April 18-24

Reminder for the week: Recreational crabbers should review rules before crabbing

DE F&W Natural Resources Police logoDOVER – 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 April 18-24 made 1,392 contacts with anglers, boaters, hunters and the general public, including 115 vessel boardings for boating safety and fishing regulation compliance checks. Officers responded to 32 complaints and issued 22 citations, six of which were related to the C&D Canal Conservation Area and associated recreational trail, where there is an increased Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police presence.

Incidents of note:

  • On April 21, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police cited Shawn Lee, 45, of Franklinsville, N.J., for one count of possession of undersized striped bass near Delaware City. Lee was issued a $165 fine, including court costs. The seized striped bass was donated to the Ministry of Caring Food Kitchen in Wilmington.
  • On April 19, following an investigation, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police arrested Willis C. Hand, 61, of Dover, and charged him with failure to maintain a proper lookout while operating a commercial vessel in connection with a March 10 boating accident on the Murderkill River near Bowers Beach. Hand was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 7 in Dover and released on $100 unsecured bond pending a court appearance at a later date.
  • On April 18, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police cited James K. Evans, 51, of Millsboro, for illegal sale of blue crabs without a commercial license near Harbeson. Evans was issued a $107 fine, including court costs.

Citations issued by category, with the number of charges in parentheses, included:

Fisheries Conservation: Unlicensed fishing (13), possession of undersized white perch (1)*, possession of undersized striped bass (1), illegal use of cast net in tidal water within 300 feet of a dam or spillway (1), possession of undersized blue crabs (1), and illegal sale of blue crabs without a commercial license (1).

Boating and Boating Safety: Failure to maintain a proper lookout while operating a vessel (1), operating an unregistered vessel (1), no boating safety certificate (1), and no tidal/non-tidal boat ramp certificate (1).

* Citation issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area, plus five citations for unlicensed fishing.

Are you AWARE?
DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind recreational crabbers to review state regulations governing blue crabs, including the required use of a turtle by-catch reduction device in recreational crab pots.

A turtle by-catch reduction device is attached in the funnel entrance of a recreational crab pot to reduce the possibility of diamondback terrapins entering the pots and drowning. The device is a rigid metal or plastic rectangular frame that measures 1.75 inches by 4.75 inches. By-catch devices are available at local tackle shops or may be handmade of heavy wire. Directions to install a by-catch reduction device are available online at Turtle Excluder.

Other Delaware crabbing regulations include:

  • A Delaware recreational fishing license is required for crabbing.
  • The recreational daily limit on blue crabs is one bushel per person.
  • Minimum “keeper” size for male blue crabs and immature female crabs with the V-shaped apron is 5 inches, measured across the shell from point to point.
  • Mature female crabs, identified by the U-shaped apron, are exempt from the minimum size of 5 inches because many females reach maturity at a smaller size.
  • Mature female blue crabs bearing eggs, known as sponge crabs and recognizable by the orange eggs visible under the apron, may not be taken and must be returned to the water immediately.
  • Recreational crabbers may use any number of single, baited hand lines, trot lines (a longer weighted line with a series of baited points) or pull traps. Standard size and possession limits as noted above apply.
  • Recreational crabbers may not use, place, set or tend more than two crab pots.
  • Recreational crab pots must be tended by the owner at least once every 72 hours and must be marked with white buoys with the owner’s name and permanent mailing address.
  • Recreational crabbers are prohibited from selling blue crabs; only commercially-licensed crabbers are permitted to offer blue crabs for sale in Delaware.
  • Fishing or crabbing off courtesy docks at state-owned boat ramps is prohibited.
  • To avoid being cited for littering, gather up leftover bait, bait containers, crab lines and other trash for proper disposal. Fish & Wildlife fishing areas and wildlife areas are “carry in, carry out” for trash.

For more information on individual wildlife areas, including the rules and regulations specific to each, visitors are encouraged to check out Delaware wildlife area maps, which are available in hard copy at DNREC’s Dover licensing desk and online at Delaware Wildlife Area Maps.

Delaware fishing licenses 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 on Delaware fishing licenses, call 302-739-9918.

For more information on crabbing 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: Sgt. 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. 156


Openings still available for DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police’s new summer youth academy

DOVER – If you are a Delaware student aged 12 to 15 with an interest in natural resources and law enforcement, DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police still has openings for a new summer youth academy that can take you inside both worlds for experiencing the roles and responsibilities of a Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officer.

The week-long program will run from Monday thru Friday, July 18-22, and meet daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ommelanden Hunter Education Training Center, 1205 River Road, New Castle, DE 19720. The NRP Youth Academy is free of charge, and open to all Delaware youth aged 12 to 15, with lunch provided for all participants.

The academy is limited this year to the first 20 qualified applicants, with priority given to those who have not already completed a hunter safety course or boating safety course. Applications also must include a 250-word essay on why the applicant wants to take part in the academy, and what Delaware’s natural resources mean to her or him. The application deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, May 13.

Participants chosen for the Natural Resources Police youth academy will learn about various aspects of natural resources law enforcement; receive instruction in hunting and boating safety and participate in field activities similar to those experienced by an NRP officer. Youth who complete the program will receive both hunter and boating safety certifications.

“The Youth Academy is a great opportunity for youths to get a firsthand look at what it’s like to be a Natural Resources Police officer, and to learn about protecting our natural resources,” said NRP Captain Drew Aydelotte, noting that it’s also an opportunity to nurture the relationship between Delaware’s natural resources law enforcement officers and the community. “By attending our youth police academy, participants will meet NRP officers and gain insight into the responsibilities we take on every day.”

Applications for the Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Youth Academy are available online at de.gov/fwenforcement, and at DNREC’s licensing desk, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901. For more information, please contact Lt. Brian Pollock at 302-365-8703 or Brian.Pollock@delaware.gov.

This project is part of Delaware’s Children in Nature Initiative, a statewide effort to improve environmental literacy in Delaware, create opportunities for children to participate in enriching outdoor experiences, combat childhood obesity and promote healthy lifestyles. Delaware’s multi-agency initiative, which partners state and federal agencies with community organizations, is part of the national No Child Left Inside program.

Media Contacts: Sgt. 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. 153