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

Reminder for the week: Fishing license required for fishing, crabbing and clamming in Delaware waters

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’s Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between July 18-24 made 2,482 contacts with anglers, boaters and the general public, including 258 vessel boardings for boating safety and fishing regulation compliance checks. Officers responded to 56 complaints and issued 38 citations. This week, with an expanded Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police presence continuing to be deployed as a deterrent, no citations were issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area and associated recreational trail.

Incidents of note:

  • On July 20, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police cited Thomas W. Watson, 67, of Milton, for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) at the Lewes Public Boat Ramp. Watson was given a mandatory appearance at Justice of the Peace Court 14 in Georgetown at a later date.
  • On July 18, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police cited four Philadelphia residents for fishing and crabbing violations in Silver Run on the Augustine Wildlife Area. Shui Y. Lin, 48, and Yongdeng Dong, 48, were cited for one count each of no fishing license, no food fish equipment permit, possession of undersized blue crabs and possession of undersized white perch. Lin and Dong were fined $486 each, including court costs. Xiujia Zhang, 36, and Yue L. Chen, 49, were cited for one count each of unlicensed fishing and possession of undersized blue crabs. Zhang and Chen were fined $272 each, including court costs.
  • On July 18, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police cited John S. Turulski Jr., 77, of Dover, for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) and littering in the parking lot of Garrisons Lake. Turulski was given a mandatory appearance at Justice of the Peace Court 7 in Dover at a later date.
  • On July 18, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers in Sussex County tagged 300 recreational crab pots on Rehoboth Bay, Love Creek and Herring Creek. On July 21, officers returned to these areas and collected 38 recreational crab pots that had not been checked within the required 72 hours.

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

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Unlicensed fishing (7), possession of undersized blue crabs (6), recreational crab pot tampering (1), improperly marked recreational crab pot (1), failure to tend recreational crab pots at least once within required 72-hour timeframe (1), possession of undersized summer flounder (2), possession of summer flounder parts (1), possession of undersized white perch (2), possession of undersized tautog (1), possession of undersized sea bass (1), and no food fish equipment permit (2).

Boating and Boating Safety: Negligent operation of a vessel (1), no lifejacket on a child age 12 or younger as required by law (6), failure to observe slow-no-wake zone (1), allowing use of a non-compliant vessel (1), and no sound-producing device (1).

Public Safety: DUI/Driving under the influence of alcohol (2).

Other: Littering (1).

Two DNREC press releases were issued this week related to Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police:

Are you AWARE?
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind recreational anglers that a Delaware fishing license is required for fishing, crabbing and clamming in both tidal and non-tidal waters statewide.

A resident annual fishing license costs $8.50 for ages 16 through 64. Anglers under the age of 16 and residents age 65 and older are not required to purchase fishing licenses in Delaware. Some requirements differ for non-resident anglers. License-exempt persons may purchase fishing licenses if they so choose to help support fisheries management in Delaware.

Both resident and non-resident recreational anglers age 16 and older are required to obtain a Delaware Fisherman Information Network (F.I.N.) number. The free number is included as part of a Delaware individual fishing license purchase. License-exempt anglers, including Delaware residents 65 and older and anglers who do not have an individual license fishing on licensed boats, may visit www.delaware-fin.com or call 800-432-9228 toll-free to obtain their free F.I.N. number.

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.

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, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913 or 302-354-1386, or Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 285


DNREC’s inaugural Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Youth Academy introduces students to outdoors law enforcement and lets them see themselves as on-the-job candidates

NEWARK – A full complement of 20 students concluded their week-long training at the Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police’s inaugural Youth Academy with a recognition ceremony held at and hosted by Cabela’s at the Christiana Mall. As DNREC rolled out the law enforcement academy for the first time, students learned skills in boating, fishing and hunting as seen from both sides of an NRP officer’s badge. Ranging in age from 12 to 15, the students completed their Delaware boating and hunter education classes and received their boating and hunting education certificates at the concluding ceremony in front of family and friends.

Candidates were chosen to attend the academy staged July 18-22 based on their interests as well as their experience level – and their eagerness to gain relevant experience for perhaps one day joining the ranks of DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resource Police. Each NRP Youth Academy applicant also had to submit a 500-word essay on why she or he wanted to attend. The academy offered free tuition for those selected to participate, with the majority of the training taking place at DNREC’s Ommelanden Hunter Education Training Center in New Castle.

In attending the week-long academy, students got exposed to the gamut of an NRP officer’s daily routine. They took part in patrol work as Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers by completing field scenarios that included checking deer stands and duck blinds; using a decoy deer to nab poachers in the act, and by making contact with visitors to Delaware’s wildlife areas managed by the Division of Fish & Wildlife. They also were given instruction in the safe operation of vessels, as well as learning about on-the-water enforcement activities. Throughout the academy, instructors emphasized the guiding principles of law enforcement, which included honor, respect, discipline, positive attitude, team work, leadership and commitment.

“The goal for the academy was to open the outdoor world to 20 young people, to expose them to boating, fishing and hunting and to share with them who we are and what it means to be a Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officer,” said Captain Drew Aydelotte, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police and acting NRP chief during the Youth Academy. “This group of young people represents the next generation of ethical outdoorsmen and women – and hopefully future officers who will join our elite unit.”

The 20 enrollees who completed the academy were: Johnathan Adkins of Dover; Ross Alexander Jr. of Bear; Alistair Bebbington of Newark; Benjamin Burris of Lothian, Md.; Troy Christiansen of Dover; Joshua Dyer of Dover; Haley Erickson of Clayton; Joseph Harwell of Newark; Ethan Hines of Townsend; Logan Koenig of Dover; Noah Kracyla of Townsend; Connor McDerby of Newark; Joseph McDermott of Townsend; Easley Pierson of Smyrna; Alexander Poore of New Castle; Luke Poore of New Castle; Anthony Puleo of Newark; William Shahan of Newark; Trevor Smith of Middletown, and James Williams of Marydel.

Awards were presented at the academy’s concluding ceremony to students who showed exceptional leadership, teamwork, sharpshooting, archery skills and fishing skills. William Shahan received the leadership award; James Williams was cited for teamwork; Easley Pierson was recognized for sharpshooting; Joseph Mcdermott excelled at archery; and Trevor Smith’s fishing skills all were lauded by NRP instructors.

The Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police also thank the following sponsors who helped make the inaugural youth academy possible:

  • Cabela’s
  • Delaware Chapter of Ducks Unlimited
  • Custom Improvers, Inc.
  • Pat’s Salon in Townsend
  • Chick-fil-a Middletown
  • Delaware City Valero
  • PSC Contracting, Inc.
  • Pat’s Pizzeria in Delaware City
  • La Matesina Pizza in Townsend

To learn more about the Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Natural Resources Police and its Youth Academy, please visit the law enforcement agency’s Facebook and Twitter pages at https://www.facebook.com/DEFWNRPolice/ and https://twitter.com/DE_FW_NRPolice, or the Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police homepage on the DNREC website at http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/Pages/Enforcement.aspx

Media Contacts: Sgt. John McDerby, 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. 278


Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: July 11-17

Reminder for the week: Practice safe boating, including wearing your lifejacket

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’s Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between July 11-17 made 1,642 contacts with anglers, boaters and the general public, including 311 vessel boardings for boating safety and fishing regulation compliance checks. Officers responded to 54 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 July 16, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police cited Robert S. Osbourne, 48, of Avondale, Pa., for operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol (OUI) and no navigation lights near Indian River Inlet. Osbourne was given a mandatory appearance at Justice of the Peace Court 14 in Georgetown at a later date.

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

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Unlicensed fishing (3)*, possession of undersized blue crabs (3), possession of undersized summer flounder (1).

Boating and Boating Safety: Operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol (2), negligent operation of a vessel (1), no lifejacket on a child age 12 or younger as required by law (2), failure to observe slow-no-wake zone (1), operating an unregistered vessel (3), failure to maintain a proper lookout (1), no boating education certificate (4), no fire extinguisher (1), and no navigation lights (1).

Public Safety: Clamming in an area under seasonal closure (1).

* Citation issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area: unlicensed fishing (1).

A DNREC press release was issued related to this week’s citations: Maryland man cited for OUI after boating accident near Fenwick Island.

Are you AWARE?
DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind boaters to practice safe boating, including use of lifejackets. Delaware law requires that all personal watercraft (PWC) operators and all children 12 years old and younger aboard a vessel of any type wear a lifejacket while underway. The law does not require wearing a lifejacket for those age 13 to adult on vessels other than PWCs; however, boat owners/operators are required to carry a readily-accessible lifejacket for each person aboard a vessel.

“Vessel operators are responsible to make sure that children aboard their boat are wearing lifejackets – and they can set the example by also wearing one,” said Sgt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police. “Although the law does not require ages 13 and older to wear a lifejacket except for personal watercraft, we strongly recommend lifejacket use by everyone aboard a vessel in Delaware waters, especially anyone with limited swimming skills. It’s a smart choice that can prevent an unnecessary tragedy.”

The same requirements that apply to vessels also apply to paddleboards, canoes and kayaks operating on Delaware waters. All paddleboards, canoes and kayaks must have a wearable lifejacket and a whistle or other sound-producing device aboard and readily accessible. “Regardless of the size or type of vessel, if you fall overboard or capsize, stay with your vessel for a better chance of being found sooner,” Sgt. McDerby added.

Boaters also should ensure their vessel is ready for a trouble-free day enjoying Delaware’s waterways by performing a pre-departure check. Before leaving home, you should have:

  • All current required licenses and registrations, including boat registration, boating safety certificate, boat ramp certificate if required and fishing license(s);
  • Enough lifejackets for everyone on board, including children age 12 or younger who are required by Delaware law to wear them; for vessels 16 feet or more in length, a throwable life preserver is also required;
  • Plenty of water to stay hydrated and sunscreen to protect against sunburn, which can be severe on the water.
  • Checked the local weather forecast;
  • Checked the vessel for working navigation lights, steering and throttle controls;
  • Checked its oil, fuel and fluid levels;
  • Checked for fuel leaks, including hose clamps and connections;
  • Drained all water from the engine compartment or bilge, and replaced and secured the bilge plug;
  • A fully-charged engine battery, emergency flares and a fire extinguisher;
  • A marine radio and/or a fully-charged cell phone in a secure pocket and sealed in a plastic bag; and
  • Left a float plan with a friend, family member or local marina.

For more information on safe boating practices in Delaware, please visit Delaware Boating Safety.

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, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913 or 302-354-1386, or Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 268


Maryland man cited for OUI after boating accident near Fenwick Island

FENWICK ISLAND – A Maryland man was charged early Sunday morning by DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police with operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol (OUI) following a boating accident that left him clinging to his capsized 28-foot cabin cruiser for about two hours in the water off Cape Windsor, west of Fenwick Island.

The boat’s operator, Jeffrey S. Collier, 54, of Bel Air, Md. was brought to shore by Roxana Fire Company’s marine unit after Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit and the fire company responded to a 911 call placed from the headwaters of Big Assawoman Bay about 11:15 p.m. Saturday. Collier was cited by Natural Resources Police for OUI, negligent operation of a vessel and failure to maintain a proper lookout and released, pending an appearance in Justice of the Peace Court 14 in Georgetown at a later date.

Collier was alone aboard the vessel, with no injuries reported. His boat was recovered Sunday morning by a commercial salvage company. The accident remains under investigation by Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police.

Boaters navigating Delaware waters are reminded that operating a boat with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher is in violation of Delaware and federal laws. Boat operators found to be at or above the limit will find their voyage terminated, will be cited and may have their vessel impounded. Boat operators found to be under the influence also can face fines and potential jail time. For more information, please visit Delaware Boating Safety.

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.

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

Vol. 46, No. 260


DNREC’s Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police encourage safe boating practices over holiday weekend

DOVER – With many boaters heading out on the water for the long 4th of July holiday weekend, DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police advise “steady as she goes” for practicing safe boating on Delaware waterways. “We need everyone on our waterways to be alert, use common sense and avoid actions that will put themselves, their passengers and other boaters at risk,” said Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Chief Robert Legates.

Recent statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard show the top five primary contributing factors for boating accidents are operator inattention, improper lookout, operator inexperience, excessive speed and alcohol use. With these factors in mind, Sgt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police boating safety coordinator, offered some tips for safe boating:

Safety-check your vessel and equipment before getting underway
Preparations for putting your boat in the water each season should begin with servicing the motor or engine to ensure it is in good operating condition. Before heading out, always check engine oil levels and make sure you have enough gasoline in your tank, as well as making sure all navigational lights are working.

“Unexpected engine failure or running out of gas can strand you and your passengers – and this rarely happens at a convenient time or place,” Sgt. McDerby said. “Add nightfall, an approaching summer storm, rough seas or other hazards, and you place yourself and your passengers in danger.”

Additional items to check include the appropriate number of life jackets and a fully-charged cell phone and/or marine radio, as well as the following safety equipment: flares, a whistle or sound-producing device, and a fire extinguisher.

Wear a lifejacket
In 2015, the number of boating accident fatalities nationwide totaled 626, including 22 children under the age of 13, according to U.S. Coast Guard statistics. Where cause of death was known, 76 percent of fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of those drowning victims when lifejacket usage was known, 85 percent were not wearing a lifejacket.

“Like seatbelts in automobiles, we know without question that lifejackets save lives. Delaware law requires that children age 12 and younger wear a life jacket while underway in any vessel on Delaware waters,” Sgt. McDerby said, noting that no children age 12 or younger have died as a result of drowning in Delaware since this law was passed in 1991.

“Though lifejackets are not legally required to be worn by adults, they should also wear them, especially anyone with limited swimming skills,” Sgt. McDerby continued. “Boating accidents can happen very fast – and there’s no time to reach for a stowed lifejacket and put it on.”

While operating a vessel, stay alert and keep a sharp lookout
When operating an automobile, safe driving includes keeping your eyes on the road and avoiding distractions that take your attention elsewhere.
“The same applies to operating a vessel,” Sgt. McDerby said. “At all times, boaters need to watch where they are going, looking for other vessels and anything in the water that poses a hazard or redirects vessels.”

Things to look out for include: swimmers, water skiers and smaller vessels such as kayaks or jet skis; floating hazards such as large branches or logs in the water; shallow areas where your vessel can become grounded; and directional channel markers or other signage.

Watch your speed
As with land vehicles, boaters need to remember that the faster you drive your boat, the more you reduce your reaction time and increase your chances of being involved in an accident.

“Operating a vessel at excessive speed poses a hazard to you and your passengers as well as everyone else on the water around you, especially in areas with a lot of boat traffic – a common occurrence on popular waterways, especially during busy summer holiday weekends,” Sgt. McDerby said. Boaters should take particular care to observe posted slow-no-wake areas, he added.

Don’t drink and boat
According to Coast Guard statistics, alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents and was listed as the leading factor in 17 percent of the 626 boating-related fatalities reported nationwide in 2015, with 306 accidents resulting in 122 deaths and 258 injuries.

“Drinking while boating is a choice. The best way to minimize the risk of an accident is to make the wise choice – don’t drink and boat,” said Sgt. McDerby, noting that boaters should plan ahead to have a non-drinking designated boat operator aboard if alcohol is being consumed.

While it is not illegal for recreational boat operators to consume alcohol, the same blood alcohol limit used to measure intoxication in automobile drivers applies to boat operators: 0.08 or above is legally intoxicated. Sgt. McDerby also noted that boat operators above the limit put themselves and their passengers at risk, and those found operating under the influence face fines and potential jail time.

Delaware’s emphasis on boating safety education

Taking a boating safety course to improve your skills can help reduce the chances of an accident. Coast Guard statistics show that in states where instructional data was available, 71 percent of reported fatalities occurred on boats where the operator had not received boating safety instruction.

“Last year, we had one boating-related fatality and 25 reportable boating accidents in Delaware. We’d like to see the number of accidents go down,” Chief Legates said, noting that to date this year, Delaware has had 10 reported boating accidents and no fatalities.

Under Delaware law, all persons born on or after Jan. 1, 1978 must successfully complete a boating safety course in order to operate a boat in Delaware waters, including personal watercraft. “We recommend that everyone who is going to operate a boat in Delaware waters take a safety course first, regardless of their age,” Sgt. McDerby said.

Delaware’s 8-hour basic boating safety course, which fulfills Delaware’s mandatory boating safety class requirement, is offered in multiple locations statewide in one to four sessions. An online version of the course also is offered. Upon completing the course, boaters receive a boating safety certificate, with those required to take the course having to carry the certificate while boating as proof of course completion.

For more information, including the boating safety class schedule, access to the online Delaware Boating Handbook and other boating information, visit Delaware Boating Safety, or contact Sgt. John McDerby at 302-739-9913 or by email at john.mcderby@delaware.gov.

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

Vol. 46, No. 236