For more information, contact Craig Shirey or Stewart Michels, Fisheries, 302-739-9914, or Joanna Wilson, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

Horseshoe crab harvest to be topic of Nov. 23 public hearing

DOVER (Nov. 4, 2010) – The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife will hold a public hearing on proposed changes to Delaware’s horseshoe crab regulations at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23 in the DNREC auditorium, Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover. 

DNREC proposes to extend the effective dates for Delaware’s annual horseshoe crab harvest limit through April 30, 2013, in order to remain in compliance with Addendum VI to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Horseshoe Crabs.

Under the provisions of the addendum, Delaware’s annual harvest quota allocation will remain at 100,000 male horseshoe crabs, which may be harvested from June 8 through Dec. 31 or until the quota is reached. No female horseshoe crabs may be harvested at any time in Delaware.

Individuals may present comments either at the public hearing or submit 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.

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

Vol. 40, No. 374