Delaware Online Shark Identification Guide

A new online shark identification guide is available on the Delaware DNREC website, according to the Division of Fish and Wildlife. The Delaware shark identification guide is was created to help increase awareness of sharks whose numbers are in decline.

Growing interest in shark fishing and conservation of shark species in recent years prompted the development of this easily-accessed and printable guide for use by anglers to aid in the identification of some of the most common sharks caught in the Delaware Bay and nearshore waters of the state.

The guide also includes some helpful tips on handling and releasing sharks. Shark conservation is important to maintain ecological diversity and balance in our coastal waters.

“To promote shark conservation, we ask anglers to quickly release any shark that they cannot readily identify, since many species of sharks found in Delaware waters are depleted,” said Fisheries Biologist Stewart Michels, adding that sharks are typically late to mature, and they reproduce only once every one or two years with few young produced, as compared to other fishes.

Anglers fishing offshore waters are encouraged to further become familiar with the numerous offshore shark species and federal permit requirements available from the National Marine Fisheries Service (www.nmfs.noaa.gov).

A summary of Delaware’s laws and regulations pertaining to sharks is included in the 2013 Delaware Fishing Guide. The guide is available at tackle shops and license dealers statewide, or online at www.fw.delaware.gov/fisheries.

source:  DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife