(7 Del.C. §§1902(a)(1); 2804; 2806)
7 DE Admin. Code 3710, 3711 & 3712
The purpose of this action is to provide Delaware’s licensed knobbed conch, Busycon carica, dredgers with access to this resource similar to that of their New Jersey counterparts.
The hearing record on the proposed changes to 7 DE Admin. Code §§3710, 3711 and 3712 pertaining to knobbed conch will be open May 1, 2015. Individuals may submit written comments regarding the proposed changes via e-mail to Lisa.Vest@state.de.us or via the USPS to Lisa Vest, Hearing Officer, DNREC, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901 (302) 739-9042. A public hearing on the proposed amendment will be held on May 28, 2015 beginning at 6:00 PM in the DNREC Auditorium, located at the Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901.
(Penalty Section 7 Del.C. §1912)
1.0 It shall be unlawful for any person to possess any channeled conch, Busycotypus canaliculatum, that measures less than six (6) inches in length or 3 1/8 inches in diameter at the whorl.
3.0 It shall be unlawful for any person to possess any knobbed conch, Busycon carica, that measures less than five 5 ¼ inches in 2007, 5 ½ inches in 2008, 5 ¾ inches in 2009, and six (6) inches in length in 2010. Beginning in 2010, the minimum length shall remain 6 inches thereafter until changed by regulation. The minimum diameter at the whorl shall be no less than 3 inches in 2007, 3 ¼ inches in 2008, 3 ¼ inches in 2009 and 3 ½ inches in 2010 and shall remain 3 ½ inches thereafter until changed by regulation five (5) inches in length or less than three (3) inches in diameter at the whorl.
3712 Commercial Conch Dredge Licenses Season
1.0 Pursuant to §2803(c) of 7 Del.C, the Department shall not issue any new conch dredge licenses for a period of 5 years to begin January 1, 2006. Licenses may continue to be issued pursuant to §2803(d) of 7 Del.C. Notwithstanding 7 Del.C. §§2803(a) and 2805, it is unlawful to for a vessel equipped with a dredge to possess knobbed conch during the period June 16 through January 14.