Kent County Today

Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is taking new measures to curb overfishing along the Atlantic Coast. 

The limits will affect recreational striped bass fishing more than commercial fishing, according to Delaware Public Media.

Two plans were developed by DNREC, where the first one saw a 20% reduction in sports fishing and a 2% reduction in commercial fishing. An 18% reduction was to be expected on the second plan.

The first option was preferred by DNREC, which imposed limitations on recreational fishing.

Fishermen in Delaware have been expecting new limits and were not surprised by these changes.

Smith Bait and Tackle in Leipsic owner, Steven Smith, talked about these restrictions.

“Everybody knew it was coming," Smith said. "They’ve been saying it’s been overfished for the last few years. As it comes to Delaware, I don’t think Delaware is in the big scheme of everything. We don’t take a lot of fish from the whole market. But, you know, it’s just conservation so we can sustain the species.” 

These changes have been causing financial debates, but Smith said the changes might not affect businesses.

“It’s probably going to cut down on the sale of bunker or menhaden, you know, different baits for striped bass,” Smith said. “But we do have the summer season, so that helps out a little bit. I’m not going to complain about it as long as we’ve got that little season going.”