RECREATIONAL BOATERS: BE AWARE OF COMMERCIAL DRIFT GILL NETS

by James M. Falk, Marine Recreation and Tourism Specialist, (302) 645-4346

and James F. Salevan, Marine Fisheries Specialist

Marking requirements for commercial drift gill nets have been in effect since the passage of Senate Bill 362 in 1984. Drift gill nets float on the surface and extend down into the water column. They are used to catch fish such as weakfish, bluefish, and small sharks. These nets are allowed in Delaware tidal waters throughout the year, except between May 10 and September 30, during which time they may not be used on weekends from 12:01 a.m. Saturday until 4:00 p.m. Sunday or on legal state holidays. (Temporary gill net restrictions may also be imposed by DNRECÕs Division of Fish and Wildlife to support fisheries conservation efforts.)

As a boater, you may encounter one or more drift gill nets on the water. To navigate properly around a net and avoid damaging the net or your boat, you should be aware of the required net markings (see diagram at left). Both ends of each drift net must be marked clearly with an international orange or red float or flag. These markings must be visible to the boater. Upon approaching a drift net, boaters should slow down and pass on either side of the net, not between the marked ends.

Boaters should also be on the lookout for a commercial fishing boat in the area of a drifting net and should heed any warnings. A boater can be arrested and fined for intentionally interfering with, breaking, damaging, or destroying any drift gill net that is being fished lawfully.

For a copy of Delaware's fishing laws and regulations, request the current Delaware Fishing Guide from the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Division of Fish and Wildlife, P.O. Box 1401, Dover, DE 19903.