Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police blotter: Aug. 15-21

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

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, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between Aug. 15-21 made 2,546 contacts with anglers, boaters and the general public, including 434 vessel boardings for boating safety and fishing regulation compliance checks. Officers responded to 59 complaints and issued 41 citations, two 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.

An incident of note:

On Aug. 16, following an investigation, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police arrested commercial waterman Shawn P. Moore, 40, of Georgetown, and charged him with four counts of failure to report commercial horseshoe crab harvest and two counts of illegal possession of knobbed conch on board a commercial vessel equipped with a dredge in Roosevelt Inlet and Delaware Bay. Moore was released, pending an appearance in the Sussex County Court of Common Pleas at a later date.

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

Wildlife Conservation: Spotlighting (1).

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Unlicensed fishing (4), possession of undersized blue crabs (3), over-the-limit recreational crab pots (1), use of recreational crab pots without required turtle excluder (2), improperly marked recreational crab pots (3), failure to tend recreational crab pots at least once within required 72-hour time frame (2), possession of undersized summer flounder (6), and possession of summer flounder parts (1).
Commercial: Failure to report commercial horseshoe crab harvest (4), and illegal possession of knobbed conch on board a commercial vessel equipped with a dredge (2).

Boating and Boating Safety: Operating a vessel with insufficient number of lifejackets (3), no lifejacket on a child age 12 or younger as required by law (4), failure to observe slow-no-wake zone (2), and no boating education certificate (1).

Public Safety: Recreational clamming in a closed/polluted area (1), and driving with an expired license (1).

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police News, Training and Outreach

On Aug. 20, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police displayed the Operation Game Theft trailer at Middletown’s Peach Festival, answering questions and distributing information on boating, fishing, hunting and trapping opportunities in Delaware.

Are you AWARE?
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.

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.
Crabbing or fishing 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. And remember: All Fish & Wildlife fishing 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, such as where crabbing is allowed, 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 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. 317

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Aug. 1-14

Reminder for the week: Observe safety precautions when towing water skiers, tubers, knee-boarders

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 Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between Aug. 1-14 made 4,166 contacts with anglers, boaters and the general public, including 472 vessel boardings for boating safety and fishing regulation compliance checks. Officers responded to 130 complaints and issued 102 citations. During this two week period, 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 Aug. 13, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police responded to a report of a body floating in the water near the Newport Boat Ramp. The body was turned over to the state Medical Examiner’s office to determine cause of death. Delaware State Police are investigating the case.
On Aug. 1, following an investigation, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police arrested commercial waterman Terry R. Murray, 41, of Frankford, and charged him with 21 counts of failure to tend commercial crab pots at least once within the required 72-hour timeframe, and one count each of no commercial crabbing license, no commercial clamming license and possession of over-the-limit hard clams on Roy’s Creek west of Fenwick Island. Murray was video-arraigned and released on $2,300 unsecured bond, pending an appearance in the Sussex County Court of Common Pleas at a later date.

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

Wildlife Conservation: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (4).

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Unlicensed fishing (7), possession of undersized blue crabs (11), recreational crab pot tampering (6), over-the-limit recreational crab pots (1), use of recreational crab pots without required turtle excluder (1), failure to tend recreational crab pots at least once within required 72-hour timeframe (1), possession of undersized striped bass (2), possession of undersized weakfish (1), possession of undersized sea bass (1), possession of undersized summer flounder (2), and possession of summer flounder parts (2).
Commercial: Failure to tend commercial crab pots at least once within required 72-hour timeframe (21), possession of over-the-limit hard clams (1), clamming without a commercial license (1), and crabbing without a commercial license (1).

Boating and Boating Safety: OUI/operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol (2), negligent operation of a vessel (3), inattentive operation of a vessel (1), careless operation of a vessel (1), failure to maintain proper lookout while towing a tuber or water skier (2), operating a vessel with insufficient number of lifejackets (2), no lifejacket on a child age 12 or younger as required by law (7), failure to observe slow-no-wake zone (4), operating an unregistered vessel (2), owner or responsible party allowing use of a non-compliant vessel (1), no sound-producing device (1), no fire extinguisher (1), no navigation lights (3), and no boating education certificate (6).

Public Safety: Possession of heroin (1), possession of marijuana (1), and passing in a no-passing zone in a motor vehicle (1).

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

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police News, Training and Outreach

On Aug. 11, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police displayed the Operation Game Theft trailer at Newark’s Safe Kids Camp. Officers spoke to about 25 four- to six-year-olds about safe boating and fishing and hunting, and gave tours of the trailer, showing and explaining items taken illegally by poachers.
During the month of July, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police tagged more than 600 recreational crab pots on the Inland Bays in Sussex County with information on crab pot rules and to determine if the pots were being checked as required. Crabbers are reminded to review the regulations regarding use of recreational crab pots in Delaware waters. Under state law, recreational crabbers cannot tend more than two crab pots and must be present when setting their pots. Recreational crab pots cannot be placed inside navigation channels, must be tended at least once every 72 hours, have a turtle excluder installed at the entrance and be attached to an all-white float that includes a tag with the owner’s full name and address. Although not required by law, Fish & Wildlife officers recommend including a phone number on your crab pots for contact if unauthorized persons are found to be in possession of the pots. For more information, please click on 2016 Delaware Fishing Guide.

Are you AWARE?
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind boaters of some important safety regulations when towing water skiers, tubers and knee-boarders.

“Water skiing requires at least three participants – the water skier or skiers, the boat operator and a competent observer – and this also applies to tubing and knee-boarding,” said Sgt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police boating safety coordinator. “Under Delaware law, any vessel towing a water skier, tuber or knee-boarder must have a person aboard other than the operator to act as the observer. To ensure the skier’s safety, the observer faces backwards, watches the skier and alerts the boat operator of any hand signals from the skier or if the skier goes down.”

Other safety requirements for water skiing, tubing and knee-boarding:

Personal watercraft (PWC) used for towing skiers, tubers or knee boarders must have enough seats – minimum of three – to carry the operator, observer and skier.
Recreational water skiers, tubers and knee-boarders must wear lifejackets.
A tow line cannot exceed 75 feet in length.
Observe all “slow-no-wake” areas.
Avoid traveling at unsafe speeds, including congested areas.
Observe marked “No Water Skiing” areas, which include all marked swimming areas, Assawoman Canal, Rehoboth-Lewes Canal and portions of Indian River Inlet, Roosevelt Inlet, Whites Creek and the channel through Masseys Landing.
Maintain a safe and reasonable distance from shipping lanes, other vessels, persons and property.
Water skiing is prohibited at night between sunset and sunrise, and within 100 feet of persons in the water, piers, docks, floats, wharfs, vessels anchored or adrift and private or public boat launch ramps.

For more information, please visit the Delaware Boating Safety webpage.

Media 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. 309

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: July 25-31

Reminder for the week: Paddle boards are vessels – and boating regulations apply

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, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between July 25-31 made 1,741 contacts with anglers, boaters and the general public, including 315 vessel boardings for boating safety and fishing regulation compliance checks. Officers responded to 72 complaints and issued 36 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.

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

Wildlife Conservation: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (2).

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Unlicensed fishing (14)*, possession of undersized blue crabs (2), recreational crab pot tampering (2), over-the-limit recreational crab pots (1), and possession of undersized summer flounder (2).

Boating and Boating Safety: Operating a vessel with insufficient number of lifejackets (4), no lifejacket on a child age 12 or younger as required by law (3), no lifejacket on a personal watercraft (1), failure to observe slow-no-wake zone (1), operating an unregistered vessel (1), owner or responsible party allowing use of a non-compliant vessel (1), and no boating education certificate (2).

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

A DNREC press release was issued this week related to Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police:

Winners of 30th Annual Youth Fishing Tournament honored at Delaware State Fair Governors Day ceremony

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police News, Training and Outreach
Following the success of the inaugural Youth Academy, which hosted 20 students July 18-22, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police have already received three new Youth Academy sponsorship offers for next year’s academy from the Cutting Edge of Delaware, Cutting Edge Holdings/Seaway Services and Port Penn Holdings. Dates and registration for the 2017 Youth Academy will be announced early next year.

Are you AWARE?
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind paddle boarders – especially those new to the increasingly popular sport – to review Delaware’s boating laws and regulations and how they apply to paddle boards before heading out on the waterways.

In recent years, the sport of paddle boarding has grown immensely in popularity in Delaware. Paddle boarders can often be seen on many of Delaware’s waterways throughout the summer.

So just what is a paddle board? A paddle board is configured similarly to a surfboard, but is usually longer and thicker. The operator of a paddle board stands upright on the board and propels it through the water using a long paddle.

The U.S. Coast Guard and the State of Delaware recognize a paddle board as a vessel when operated outside the confines of an ocean surfing or swimming area. Therefore, many of the same vessel requirements for personal flotation devices, visual distress signals, sound producing devices and the use of a navigational light during low light conditions apply when paddle boards are operated in Delaware waters.

A paddle board less than 16 feet in length** must meet the following safety equipment requirements when operated in Delaware waters outside the ocean surfing or swimming area:

All paddle boarders must have a United States Coast Guard-approved lifejacket on board.
Any child age 12 and younger must wear a USCG-approved lifejacket at all times while on a paddle board.
Paddle boarders must carry a whistle, horn or some other sounding device capable of making an efficient sound signal.
When operating between the hours of sunset and sunrise, paddle boarders must carry a visual distress signal – an electric distress light or flares – suitable for night use. This applies to all boards operated on coastal waters and directly-connected waters (bays, sounds, harbors, rivers, inlets, etc.) which are two miles wide or wider.
When operating between the hours of sunset and sunrise, a paddle boarder also must have an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light for use as a navigation light, which must be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.

**Paddle boards longer than 16 feet may have additional safety requirements.

For more information on safe boating practices in Delaware, including more details on lifejackets and other safety equipment, please visit Delaware Boating Safety.

Media 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. 291

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.

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