Contact: Richard Cole, Fisheries, phone: (302) 739-4782
or Melinda Carl, Public Affairs, phone: (302) 739-4506

Division of Fish and Wildlife to Hold Public Workshop Jan. 27 on Delaware's Oyster Fishery

The Division of Fish and Wildlife will conduct a public workshop at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27 to review the status of the state’s oyster resource in Delaware Bay and present management recommendations for the 2005 commercial oyster fishery. The meeting will be held in DNREC’s auditorium, Richardson and Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover.

Division staff will provide an update on stock conditions based on the findings from the annual October 2004 biological survey of the natural oyster beds. These most recent survey results will be incorporated into the 30-year data base time series that the Division maintains in order to evaluate relative stock abundance over time. In addition, information on size structure and natural mortality rates will also be reviewed as part of the general discussion regarding status of the resource.

Specific recommendations regarding harvest quotas, seasons and areas open to harvesting during 2005 will be presented and discussed. Division staff will answer questions and participate in open discussion with the public in attendance regarding oyster management issues relative to the 2005 fishing season.

For further information, contact Richard Cole, Fisheries, (302) 739-4782.
 

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