The 2023-24 Delaware Reef Guide, covering artificial fishing reefs in the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean, is now available.
Distributed by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the publication includes the history of the Artificial Reef Program and its value to the coastal economy, along with site descriptions, material deployments, maps and a quick reference to fishing hot spots.
The Artificial Reef Program was initiated by the Division of Fish & Wildlife in 1995 to sustain important marine fisheries, increase recreational fishing opportunities and expand tourism.
Delaware has 14 federally permitted artificial reef sites in the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean, made of materials like clean, durable and stable natural rock; construction materials; boats; and subway cars.
Materials added to the reefs over the last five years since the previous guide was published include approximately 2 million tons of rock removed from the Delaware River navigational channel; more than 13,000 tons of concrete; and several large retired fishing vessels, transport ferries and military ships. Videos of recent sinkings are available on DNREC’s YouTube channel.
Additional information is available at de.gov/artificialreefs. Printed copies of the guide are limited to one per household and can be requested on the webpage or obtained at the Fisheries Section’s Little Creek office, 3002 Bayside Drive.
Updates and new information on reef material deployments can be obtained by emailing dnrecffisheries@delaware.gov.
By