NOAA, Coastal Fisheries Management Assistance to the State of Delaware Coastal fisheries management assistance

The NOAA-Coastal Fisheries Management Assistance funded four studies within the State of Delaware. Study No. 1 was a project to expand upon the blue crab stock assessment initiated in 1999. Funds support improvements in the methodology and generation of information necessary to produce more accurate analytical population modeling used in the calculation of biological reference points. This was essential for managing the blue crab stock for sustainability and maximization of long-term fishery yield. Work to update the blue crab population dynamics model through addition of 2003 data and improvements based on the September 2003 peer review continued. Study No. 2 was a project to provide funds for the enforcement of state fishing laws and regulations relative to compliance criteria put forward by the Atlantic States Marine Fishery Commission. As a result of this funding, patrols and special operations produced 257 arrests. Study No. 3 is a project to facilitate monitoring programs identified by the Atlantic States Marine Fishery Commission - Fishery Management Plan for Horseshoe Crabs. The 2004 Delaware Bay horseshoe crab spawning survey was conducted in Spring 2004 through a unique interstate/interagency partnership between the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the University of Delaware, Limuli Laborato1ies,numerous dedicated volunteers and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control. Study No. 4 was a project to facilitate monitoring programs for juvenile and adult Atlantic sturgeon and support the implementation of the ASMFC Amendment One to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for the Atlantic sturgeon. Sampling of juvenile and adult sturgeon was conducted in the summer of 2004. Project: 3-ACA-142 Final Report Grant no. NA03NMF4740129