DOVER – DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation announced today that it has reached its cap of 17,000 Delaware surf-fishing permits, as voted on this year by the state’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Council. With the cap figure attained, no more surf tag permits will be issued until December.

While surf-fishing permit sales have ended, the Division of Parks & Recreation notes that there are no restrictions for non-vehicle, walk-on fishing, as long as an angler has a Delaware fishing license issued by DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife.

In January, Delaware’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Council, an 11-member board appointed by the Governor that advises DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation, voted to limit the number of permits issued annually to no more than 17,000, and to raise surf fishing permit fees. Both decisions were made at a regularly-scheduled council meeting Jan. 17, at which the council received written and oral comments from more than 100 members of the public.

Division of Parks & Recreation statistics show that the issuing of surf-fishing permits has increased at a rate of seven percent annually from 2011 to 2017. The Division implemented a first-come, first-served cap on the number of permits issued as the most equitable way to serve all beach users, to manage a limited resource, and to protect against overcrowding of parks beaches. The Division also has found that limiting the number of permits enables more efficient management of the state’s surf-fishing program. This plan also aligns with DNREC’s priority to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors to Delaware’s award-winning state parks system.

At the January meeting, DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation reported a three-fold increase over the last year for violations of the “actively-engaged in surf fishing” rule enforced by DNREC Natural Resources Police Park Rangers. In response, the General Assembly added funding in the FY 2020 operating budget for two new Park Rangers, one each at Cape Henlopen and Delaware Seashore state parks. In addition, Parks Rangers’ workweeks have expanded from 37.5 to 40 hours, creating 1,000 hours of additional coverage annually for the coastal parks. The “actively-engaged” rule continues to be a priority area for targeted enforcement.

In response to complaints of visitors failing to abide by regulations, on Saturday, June 15, and Sunday, June 16, DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation’s Park Rangers conducted the first of several targeted enforcement operations planned to take place this summer.

Rangers, assisted by Park Watch volunteers, conducted surf-fishing compliance checks at four crossings within Cape Henlopen and Fenwick Island State Parks. Vehicles were checked for compliance with Delaware’s surf-fishing regulations. More than 300 vehicles were checked.

At Fenwick Island State Park, Rangers and officers from DNREC’s Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police checked every vehicle on the surf-fishing beach to ensure at least one occupant was actively-engaged in surf fishing. This targeted enforcement operation resulted in 24 citations and warnings for various violations of surf-fishing regulations, including anglers not possessing required fishing and vehicle equipment.

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

More information on the surf fishing cap is available at www.destateparks.com/Adventures/Fishing or by calling 302-739-9200.

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

DOVER – DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation announced today its plan for managing the cap of 17,000 Delaware surf-fishing permits as voted on this year by the division’s advisory council. With the cap figure approaching – as of June 7, 15,000 surf-fishing permits had been sold – the Division of Parks & Recreation has reduced the number of locations where the permits can be purchased, transferred or replaced.

Surf-fishing permit sales locations include:

• Bellevue State Park office, 800 Carr Road, Wilmington, DE 19809
• Cape Henlopen State Park office,15099 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, DE 19958
• The Indian River Life-Saving Station store at Delaware Seashore State Park, 25039 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
• DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife sales desk at the Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901.

Surf-fishing permits will be sold at these locations until the 17,000 cap is reached, at which point 2019 permit sales will end. The Division of Parks & Recreation notes that there are no restrictions for non-vehicle, walk-on fishing, as long as an angler has a Delaware fishing license issued by DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife.

In January, Delaware’s Parks & Recreation Advisory Council, an 11-member board appointed by the Governor that advises DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation, voted to limit the number of permits issued annually to no more than 17,000, and to raise surf fishing permit fees. Both decisions were made at a regularly-scheduled council meeting Jan. 17, at which the council received written and oral comments from more than 100 members of the public.

The Division of Parks & Recreation statistics show that the issuing of surf-fishing permits has increased at a rate of seven percent annually from 2011 to 2017. The Division implemented a first-come, first-served cap on the number of permits issued as the most equitable way to serve all beach users, to manage a limited resource, and to protect against overcrowding of parks beaches. The Division also has found that limiting the number of permits enables more efficient management of the state’s surf-fishing program. This plan also aligns with DNREC’s priority to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors to Delaware’s award-winning state parks system.

At the January meeting, DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation reported a three-fold increase over the last year for violations of the “actively-engaged in surf fishing” rule enforced by DNREC Natural Resources Police Park Rangers. In response, the Division of Parks & Recreation has added a new, full-time Delaware Natural Resources Police park ranger for the coastal region, and has expanded rangers’ workweeks from 37.5 to 40 hours, creating 1,000 hours of additional coverage annually for the coastal parks. The “actively-engaged” rule continues to be a priority area for targeted enforcement.

Sixty-five percent of the funds used to operate and maintain DNREC’s Delaware State Parks come from the collection of user fees. Revenue generated by the new fee increase has advanced the Division of Parks & Recreation’s capacity to increase enforcement efforts, improve amenities and better educate park visitors on the state’s multi-use beaches.

Surf-fishing permit holders continue to receive the benefit of their permit serving as an annual parks pass, providing access to all 17 of DNREC’s Delaware’s state parks. The reduction in sales locations is only limited to surf-fishing permits. Annual Passes are still available for purchase at 19 sales locations throughout the state parks system, and also can be purchased through sales agents and online.

More information on the surf fishing cap is available at https://www.destateparks.com/Adventures/Fishing or call 302-739-9200.

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

Vol. 49, No. 154

DNREC to cap number of annual surf-fishing permits issued at 17,000

DOVER – Delaware’s Parks and Recreation Council, which advises DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation, today voted to raise surf fishing permit fees this year and to limit the number of permits issued annually to no more than 17,000. Both decisions were made at a regularly-scheduled Parks and Recreation Advisory Council meeting, for which the council had received written comments in advance about the two issues voted on. Over 100 individuals and organizations submitted written comments ahead of the meeting, while about 20 people commented to the council before the vote was taken.

When the approved changes to the surf-fishing program go into effect Feb. 1, yearly surf fishing permit fees will be increased from $80 to $90 for Delaware residents, while out-of-state residents will pay $180 for the annual surf fishing permit, up $20 from 2018 fees. Surf-fishing permit holders will continue to receive the additional benefit of their permit serving as an annual parks pass, providing access to all 17 of DNREC’s Delaware’s state parks.

The fee increase is intended to help ensure public safety, and to continue improving the quality user experience for Delaware State Parks’ visitors, including surf-fishing permit holders, at designated multi-use beaches. Limiting the number of permits will enable more efficient management of the state’s surf-fishing program, said Division of Parks & Recreation Director Ray Bivens. The fee increase also aligns with DNREC’s priority to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors to Delaware’s award-winning state parks system, he said.

The most common public comment received by DNREC on the surf-fishing program was the request for more enforcement of current surf-fishing rules and regulations. At the meeting, the Division of Parks & Recreation presented findings demonstrating a three-fold increase in the last year for violations of the “actively-engaged in surf fishing” rule. The Division of Parks & Recreation also announced at the meeting the addition of a new full-time Delaware Natural Resources Police Park Ranger for the region and expansion of Rangers’ work week from 37.5 to 40 hours, creating 1,000 hours of expanded coverage annually for the coastal parks. “The ‘actively-engaged’ rule will continue to be a priority area for targeted enforcement in the future,” said Parks & Recreation Director Bivens.

Regarding the cap on annual permits, another presentation made at today’s meeting showed that the issuing of surf-fishing permits has increased at a rate of seven percent annually from 2011-2017. “Implementing a first-come, first-served cap on the number of permits issued is the best way to be equitable to all beach users, to manage a limited resource, and to protect against overcrowding our beaches in the future,” Bivens said.

Sixty-five percent of the funds used to operate and maintain the parks come from the collection of user fees. Revenue generated by the new fee increase will advance the Division of Parks & Recreation’s efforts to improve increase enforcement efforts, improve amenities and better educate parks’ visitors on the state’s multi-use beaches.

The authority to increase park user fees is included in Section 87 of the FY2019 bond bill, and requires “adequate opportunity for public comment and approval of the appropriate public advisory council.” The Parks and Recreation Council is an 11-member board, appointed by the Governor that serves in an advisory capacity to DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation.

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

Vol. 49, No. 13

DOVER – DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation will discuss proposed changes to the surf fishing program at its upcoming, regularly-scheduled Parks and Recreation Council meeting. The meeting, open to the public, is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 17th, at the Dover Public Library, 35 East Loockerman Street, Dover 19901.

Parks & Recreation staff will offer a presentation on proposed surf fishing permit fee increases, and the public will be given the opportunity to comment. The proposed fee increase, if approved at the council’s Jan.17 meeting, would go into effect on Feb.1.

DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation is proposing raising the surf fishing permit fees to $90 for Delaware residents, an increase of $10. Out-of-state residents would pay $180 for the annual surf fishing permit, an increase of $20. Surf-fishing permit holders would continue to receive the additional benefit of their permit serving as an annual pass, providing free access to all 17 of Delaware’s state parks.

The Division of Parks & Recreation is also proposing limiting the number of surf fishing permits issued to 17,000 annually. In 2017, the state issued 17,104 permits. The fee increase is being proposed to help ensure the public’s safety, and to maintain the quality user experience at designated multi-use beaches. The beaches have a capacity, and the Division of Parks & Recreation seeks to limit the number of permits issued to assist in continuing to manage the surf fishing program. The priority is to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors. A limit on the number of permits issued would help ease future congestion on all multi-use beaches.

Delaware’s state park system is primarily self-funded. Sixty-five percent of the funds used to operate and maintain the parks come from the collection of user fees. Revenue generated by the proposed fee increase would advance the Division’s efforts to improve amenities, and increase the presence of park enforcement at ocean parks.

The authority to increase park user fees is included in Section 87 of the FY 2019 bond bill, and requires “adequate opportunity for public comment and approval of the appropriate public advisory council.” The Parks and Recreation Council is an 11-member board appointed by the Governor, that serves in an advisory capacity to the Division of Parks & Recreation.

The public can submit written comments in advance on the Division of Parks & Recreation’s web page at www.destateparks.com/FeeProposal. Written comments can also be sent to: Greg J. Abbott, Attn.: Surf-fishing permit fee proposal, DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901 prior to the Jan. 17 meeting. More information is also available at https://publicmeetings.delaware.gov/Meeting/61600.

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

Vol. 48, No. 337

SMYRNA – Visitors of all ages are invited to learn all about fishing at the Go Fish Delaware! Family Fishing Festival to be held, rain or shine, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at the Aquatic Resources Education Center, a DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife facility located off Route 9 east of Smyrna. Admission is free and open to the public.

This free event aims to show kids and adults how much fun fishing can be and to encourage them to take up the sport as a regular outdoor activity. The festival will include basic fishing instruction for kids at the center’s two catch and release fishing ponds, as well as introductory lessons in fresh water fishing, fly fishing, surf fishing, and bass fishing for adult beginners who would like to learn the basics.

In addition to fishing, the center will offer children’s activities and crafts, a touch tank, traditional net making demonstrations, salt marsh tours on the center’s 940-foot boardwalk trail, and tours of the new building with aquariums and aquatic-themed exhibits. Visitors will find information about rain gardens and local wildlife at the outdoor Bayshore Byway interpretive area, and they can walk along an interpretive trail featuring natural and cultural history of the area.

Food vendors will be available onsite, or visitors are welcome to pack a lunch to enjoy outdoors.

Individuals age 16 and older who are not license exempt who wish to fish at the festival must have a current Delaware fishing license and a Delaware Fisherman Information Network (FIN) number. The free FIN number is included as part of a Delaware fishing license purchase. License-exempt anglers, including Delaware residents 65 and older, may visit www.delaware-fin.com, or call 800-432-9228 toll-free to obtain their free FIN number.

A resident annual Delaware recreational fishing license costs $8.50 for ages 16 through 64. Delaware fishing licenses are sold online, at the licensing office in DNREC’s Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, and by license agents statewide. To find a participating agent, or to purchase a license online, visit Delaware Licenses. For more information on Delaware fishing licenses, call 302-739-9918.

For more information on fishing in Delaware, click on the 2018 Delaware Fishing Guide. The guide also is available in printed form at DNREC’s Dover licensing office, and from license agents throughout the state.

The Aquatic Resources Education Center is located east of Smyrna at 2520 Lighthouse Road, which is off Route 9 just north of Woodland Beach. For more information, visit www.de.gov/takf, or email mary.rivera@delaware.gov.

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

Vol. 48, No. 100