Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: June 6-12

Reminder for the week: Visitors to Delaware’s wildlife, fishing and boating areas asked to respect natural resources

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 June 6-12 made 1772 contacts with anglers, boaters and the general public, including 244 vessel boardings for boating safety and fishing regulation compliance checks. Officers responded to 52 complaints and issued 21 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 June 10, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police arrested Jack R. Riley, 39, of Basking Ridge, N.J., for disorderly conduct following an incident at the Paradise Grill in Pot-Nets Bayside near Long Neck. Riley was remanded to the Sussex County Correctional Institute in Georgetown due to alcohol intoxication. He was later arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 3 in Georgetown and released with a no-contact order with Paradise Grill, pending a court appearance at a later date.
On June 10, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police cited John Beck, 65, of Milton, for negligent operation of a vessel in connection with a two-vessel crash at North Shore Marina in Indian River Bay. Damage to the two vessels was estimated at about $2,000. Beck was fined $107, including court costs

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

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Unlicensed fishing (8), possession of undersized blue crab (2), recreational crab pot tampering (1), use of recreational crab pots without required turtle excluder (1), and possession of undersized striped bass (1).

Boating and Boating Safety: Negligent operation of a vessel (1), operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (1), failure to observe slow-no-wake zone (2), towing a water skier or tube without required observer (1), no boat ramp certificate (1), and no boating education certificate (1).

Public Safety: Disorderly conduct (1).

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police News, Training and Outreach

On June 11, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers assisted the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays with the annual Inland Bays Cleanup as Masseys Landing Boat Ramp. The event drew about 50 volunteers. The Operation Game Theft trailer was displayed at the event.
On June 10, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police AFC Josh Hudson and his K-9 partner Rosco, a Labrador retriever, attended a “Touch-a-Truck” event with their patrol truck in Lewes. Children at the event enjoyed meeting Rosco, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police’s new K-9 officer based in Sussex County.

Are you AWARE?
With the arrival of summer, DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police are increasing patrols and closely monitoring state wildlife areas, fishing piers, public boat launching facilities and multi-use areas for visitor safety and compliance, as well as checking for illegal activity such as vandalism, littering, dumping and damaging wildlife habitat.

“The public is encouraged to enjoy our wildlife, fishing and boating access areas and the unique outdoor experiences they offer,” said Sgt. John McDerby of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police. “However, as stewards of this land for the general public, we cannot allow the few people who do not respect our conservation mission to ruin things for the many who do. Those caught abusing our natural resources through illegal activities will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

State wildlife areas, fishing piers and boat launching facilities are closed to the public from sunset to sunrise unless a person is actively and lawfully engaged in fishing, hunting or boating in accordance with state regulations and individual wildlife area rules. Individuals not meeting these requirements and found at these sites between sunset and sunrise face fines up to $100 for trespassing after hours.

Wildlife area visitors also are reminded that it is illegal to operate motor vehicles – including motorcycles, cars, trucks and SUVs – off established roadways in state wildlife areas. Violators found to cause damage also will be cited for destruction of state property. In addition, operating a motor vehicle that is not licensed for use on established public roadways – including ATVs – is prohibited both on and off-road on state wildlife areas.

The following rules also apply to all state wildlife areas, fishing piers, public boat launching facilities and multi-use areas:

Camping, swimming, target shooting (including paintball), dumping and littering, and fires are prohibited.
Dog training is permitted only within established dog training areas or during open hunting seasons for the game animals that the dog is being trained to hunt.
Hunting is permitted only in specified areas and only during designated hunting seasons.
Firearms are prohibited on state wildlife areas from March 1 to Aug. 31, except during legal hunting seasons or as authorized by the Division of Fish & Wildlife.
All of these sites have a carry-in, carry-out trash policy.

“Littering can be a problem, especially in many fishing areas, so please leave no trace behind and take your trash with you,” Sgt. McDerby said.

For more information on individual wildlife areas, including the rules and regulations specific to each area, visitors are encouraged to give close attention to Delaware wildlife area maps published by the Division of Fish & Wildlife. The maps are available in hard copy at DNREC’s Dover licensing desk, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, and also can be found online at Delaware Wildlife Area Maps.

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 Contact: 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. 221

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: May 30-June 5

Reminder for the week: Commercial horseshoe crab harvest occurring now

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 May 30-June 5 made 2,677 contacts with anglers, boaters and the general public, including 112 vessel boardings for boating safety and fishing regulation compliance checks. Officers responded to 27 complaints and issued 321 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:

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Unlicensed fishing (8)*, possession of undersized blue crab (1), and possession of undersized white perch (1).

Commercial: Possession of undersized knobbed conch (289), possession of unlawfully taken fish (4), and unlawful method of take for summer flounder/dredging (4), and no commercial license in possession (1).

Boating and Boating Safety: Operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (1), failure to observe slow-no-wake zone (1), and operating an unregistered vessel (1).

Public Safety: Possession of a deadly weapon by a person prohibited (1), possession of ammunition by a person prohibited (1), possession of a deadly weapon during commission of a felony (1), carrying a concealed deadly instrument (1), possession of heroin (2), possession of drug paraphernalia (2), hindering prosecution (1), and failure to stop at a red light (1).

* Citation issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area: no fishing license (1).

Two DNREC press releases were issued related to this week’s citations:

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police News, Training and Outreach
On June 4, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police held their 30th annual Youth Fishing Tournament with more than 170 children attending the event, which was held at Lums Pond in New Castle County, Wyoming Pond in Kent County and Ingrams Pond in Sussex County. The tournament is held annually on Free Fishing Weekend to encourage children to get outdoors and learn about fishing and to teach conservation through catch-and-release fishing practices.

Are you AWARE?
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind visitors to central Bayshore beaches that they may see horseshoe crabs being legally harvested by commercial watermen now through the end of July. Delaware’s hand harvest of horseshoe crabs is permitted annually on weekdays from June 8 through July 31, or until Delaware’s annual quota is reached.

To harvest horseshoe crabs in Delaware, licensed commercial watermen must obtain a permit from the Division of Fish & Wildlife. Delaware adheres to the annual harvest limit set by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), under the Commission’s Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Horseshoe Crabs. Harvest of male crabs is permitted only from the public beach at Port Mahon east of Dover and from private beaches with permission of the property owner; no harvest of female crabs is permitted at any time.

Delaware fisheries regulations require commercial watermen to report their horseshoe crab harvest within 24 hours; failure to do so results in a fine and possible suspension of their harvest permit until the report is submitted. The Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Fisheries Section monitors horseshoe crab harvest numbers until ASMFC’s annual quota is reached – this year, 162,136 male crabs – at which time the season closes. If the quota is not reached by July 31, a limited number of dredging permits for taking horseshoe crabs may be issued to commercial watermen.

Horseshoe crabs are harvested in Delaware for use as bait in the whelk (conch) and American eel commercial fisheries. Their copper-based blood also plays a key role in pharmaceutical testing. Through quotas, seasonal/area closures, widespread use of alternative baits and bait-saving devices and other conservation measures, bait landings in Delaware have been reduced.

Horseshoe crabs are vital to the ecology of the Delaware Bay, with visiting migratory shorebirds relying on horseshoe crab eggs to fuel their long distance migrations. The horseshoe crab harvest season opens after the shorebirds’ departure for their Arctic breeding grounds.

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. 213

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: May 23-29

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, DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between May 23-29 made 3,450 contacts with anglers, boaters and the general public, including 659 vessel boardings for boating safety and fishing regulation compliance checks. Officers responded to 109 complaints and issued 87 citations, 12 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 May 29, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police cited Andrey Pristatskiy, 38, of Philadelphia, for crab pot tampering and no fishing license in Little Assawoman Bay. Pristatskiy was fined $272, including court costs.
On May 28, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, following a routine safety check, cited Jeremy S. Halter, 44, of Odessa, for one count each of operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol (OUI), operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets and no throwable life preserver aboard as required for vessels 16 feet long or longer, in the Delaware River south of Augustine Beach. Halter was released pending a mandatory appearance in Justice of the Peace Court 9 in Middletown.
On May 27, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police cited Michael P. McKinley, 53, of Newark, for one count each of inattentive operation of a vessel and operating an unregistered vessel following an investigation into a boating accident in which a 53-foot vessel ran aground on the north shore of the C&D Canal. McKinley was fined $214, including court costs. No injuries were reported.
On May 23, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police cited Mikel A. Couch, 22, of Newark, for one count each of possession of marijuana, operating a motor vehicle without insurance, operating a motor vehicle off an established roadway on a state wildlife area and damaging state property on a wildlife area in connection with an incident in which a vehicle got stuck off-road in the dog training area of the C&D Canal Conservation Area. Couch was issued a mandatory appearance in Justice of the Peace Court 9 in Middletown, and then taken to the Kent County Court of Common Pleas, where he was wanted on cash-only bail for an unrelated warrant. A passenger in the vehicle, Elias R. Cruz, 19, of Clayton, N.C., was charged with possession of marijuana and fined $131, including court costs.

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

Wildlife Conservation: Operating a motor vehicle off an established roadway on a state wildlife area (1)*, and damaging state property on a wildlife area (1)*.

Fisheries Conservation: Unlicensed fishing (25), possession of undersized blue crabs (4), tending more than the limit of two recreational crab pots (1), improperly marked recreational crab pot (1), crab pot tampering (1), possession of undersized white perch (5), and possession of undersized summer flounder (1).

Boating and Boating Safety: Operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol/OUI (1), inattentive operation of a vessel (1), operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (16), no life jacket on a child age 12 or younger as required by law (5), no throwable life preserver aboard as required for vessels 16 feet long or longer (1), non-serviceable life jacket (1), failure to observe slow-no-wake zone (5), no boating education certificate (8), no sound-producing device on board (2), allowing use of a non-compliant vessel (1), and operating an unregistered vessel (2).

Public Safety: Possession of marijuana (2)*, operating a motor vehicle without insurance (1)*, and parking in a no stopping/no standing zone (1).

* Citations issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area, along with unlicensed fishing (3), and possession of undersized white perch (4).

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 summertime.

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 United States Coast Guard and the State of Delaware recognize a paddle board as a vessel when operated outside the confines of a 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:

All paddle boarders must have a United States Coast Guard-approved life jacket on board.
Any child age 12 and younger must wear a USCG-approved life jacket 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 ready at hand 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 life jackets and other safety equipment, please visit www.dnrec.delaware.gov/Delaware_Boating_Safety.

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. 207

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: May 16-22

Reminder for the week: Operating golf carts, ATVs and other unregistered vehicles on wildlife areas, boat ramps and other facilities is illegal

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 ofFish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between May 16-22 made 1,091 contacts with anglers, boaters and the general public, including 96 vessel boardings for boating safety and fishing regulation compliance checks. Officers responded to 25 complaints and issued 37 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.

An incident of note:

On May 17, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police cited Ronald Lewis, 63, of Camden, for negligent operation of a vessel following an investigation into a boating accident on the Delaware Bay. Lewis and a passenger were rescued from the bay after the boat he was operating sank due to overloading. Lewis was issued a citation for $107, including court costs.

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: Unlicensed fishing (3), unlawful commercial crabbing in a non-commercial area (1), tending more than two recreational crab pots (11), improperly marked recreational crab pots (10), failure to tend recreational crab pots at least once within required 72-hour timeframe (7), and illegal use of cast net in tidal water within 300 feet of a dam or spillway (1).

Boating and Boating Safety: Negligent operation of a vessel (1), and operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (1).

A DNREC press release was issued related to a number of this week’s crabbing citations:

Sussex waterman arrested for multiple commercial crabbing violations

Are you AWARE?
With seasonal weather here at last and summer just around the corner, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind visitors that it is illegal to operate unregistered vehicles – including ATVs and golf carts – on state wildlife areas, boat ramps and other Division of Fish & Wildlife facilities.

“These types of vehicles are not equipped to be operated on roadways or in heavy traffic and present unique safety hazards,” said Sgt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police. “These vehicles can be dangerous, especially when operated by children, or with no lights after dark.”

Two areas of particular concern are the Masseys Landing public boat ramp and the Okie Preserve Wildlife Area, both in Long Neck in Sussex County. The Long Neck area has a high concentration of golf carts in use by local residents. Operators of these vehicles who drive on wildlife areas, boat ramps or other facilities face fines starting at $50 for each violation.

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 licensing desk in the Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, and online at Delaware Wildlife Area Maps.

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. 195

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: May 9-15

Reminder for the week: Wearing lifejackets saves lives in boating emergencies

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 May 9-15 made 1,042 contacts with anglers, boaters, hunters and the general public, including 97 vessel boardings for boating safety and fishing regulation compliance checks. Officers responded to 47 complaints and issued 27 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 May 13, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police cited Jeffrey L. Valentine, 47, of Perryville, Md., for two counts of setting illegal body-gripping traps to remove groundhogs from a property near Wilmington. Valentine was issued a mandatory appearance at a later date in Justice of the Peace Court 9 in Middletown. If found guilty on both counts, Valentine faces $500 in fines, not including court costs.

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

Wildlife Conservation: Setting illegal body-gripping traps (2), hunting wild turkey without a permit (1), and operating a motor vehicle off an established roadway on a state wildlife area (1)*.

Fisheries Conservation: Unlicensed fishing (14), possession of undersized blue crabs (1), possession of egg-bearing female blue crab (1), recreational crab pot tampering (1), and improperly marked recreational crab pot (1).

Boating and Boating Safety: Operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (3), inattentive operation of a vessel (1), and no boating safety certificate (1).

* Citation issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area.

Are you AWARE?
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind spring boaters and anglers of the importance of carrying and wearing lifejackets when boating the state’s waterways. In Delaware, lifejackets are the law – and the law requires that owners/operators of recreational vessels carry one readily-accessible lifejacket for each person aboard, and that children age 12 and younger wear a lifejacket while underway in any vessel on Delaware waters. Minimum fine for violations: $76.50.

“Statistics show that where cause of death was known, 76 percent of fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of those drowning victims with reported lifejacket usage, 85 percent were not wearing a lifejacket,” said Sgt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police boating safety coordinator. “Like seatbelts in automobiles, we know without question that lifejackets save lives.”

“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,” Sgt. McDerby said.“Although the law does not require ages 13 and older to wear a lifejacket, 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.”

Sgt. McDerby added these tips:

If you fall overboard or capsize, stay with your boat for a better chance of being found sooner.
Keep your cell phone in a secure pocket and sealed in a plastic bag.
Carry a personal-position locator beacon, a personal emergency locator light and/or flares, and a whistle to make noise and attract the attention of rescuers.
Pack a set of dry clothing in a sealed plastic bag.
File a “float plan” with a responsible friend or family member. Include a description of your boat, when you plan to head out, who is going with you, where you plan to go and when you plan to return.

“Filing a float plan is always a good idea, because unforeseen circumstances can hit boaters in any season at any time, including a storm, engine problems, swamping, and injuries or other health issues,” Sgt. McDerby said. “With your plans in hand, a friend or family member can call for help if you’re overdue and tell searchers where to begin looking for you, saving precious time.”

For more information on safe boating practices in Delaware, including access to the online Delaware Boating Handbook, please click Delaware Boating Safety, or contact Boating Safety Coordinator Sgt. John McDerby at 302-739-9913 or email john.mcderby@delaware.gov. To download a float plan form, click here.

Anglers, be AWARE:
The Division of Fish & Wildlife has received a number of calls recently from anglers who thought they were buying a Delaware fishing license from the website fishinglicense.org when they made a purchase from that site. The private, unaffiliated website does NOT sell licenses, but sells information about fishing and how to obtain fishing licenses for $19.99 – the same information that is readily available for free on the Division of Fish & Wildlife’s website. Delaware fishing licenses, meanwhile, are sold online ONLY on the Division of Fish & Wildlife website, at the licensing desk in DNREC’s Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, and by authorized license agents statewide. ONLY the Division of Fish & Wildlife’s website is authorized to sell Delaware fishing and hunting licenses online.

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. 181