Oct. 7, 2008
Vol. 38, No. 460

For more information, contact Roy Miller, Fisheries, 302-739-9914, or Joanna Wilson, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

Horseshoe Crab Seasons, Harvest Limits
to Be Considered at Nov. 3 Public Hearing

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Division of Fish and Wildlife, has changed the date of a regulatory hearing for consideration of Delaware horseshoe crab seasons and annual harvest limit from Thursday, Oct. 30 to Monday, Nov. 3. The hearing will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the DNREC auditorium, Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover.

The purpose of the hearing is to take public comments on a proposed extension for one to two years of the present allowance for up to 100,000 male horseshoe crabs to be harvested between June 8 and Dec. 31. The proposal would continue the ban on the harvest of female horseshoe crabs at all times of the year.

The DNREC proposal is structured to remain in compliance with Addendum V to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Horseshoe Crabs as administered by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. 

Individuals may present opinions and evidence either at the public hearing or in writing to Lisa Vest, Hearing Officer, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901 or via e-mail to Lisa.Vest@state.de.us. The hearing record will remain open for written or e-mail comments until 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008.

For more information, please contact the Division of Fish and Wildlife, Fisheries Section, at 302-739-9914.