DNREC Natural Resource Police conducted their first surf fishing enforcement event of the season at Cape Henlopen State Park Saturday. A total of 204 vehicles were checked.
Officers are expected to be on hand over the Memorial Day weekend.
The Division of Parks and Recreation was assisted by the Division of Fish and Wildlife, and citations were issued for those not actively engaged in surf fishing and trespassing in the dunes. Warnings were given for vehicles not having required safety equipment and surf fishing permits not being properly shown.
DNREC has seen a demand for surf fishing permits in the past couple of years, but has also seen a growing number of people drive on to the beach and party rather than fish.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Natural Resources Police offer a smartphone app, Tip411, to give the public a way to report environmental crimes and concerns, including surf fishing violations.
The app is available for free download by searching DENRP via the Google Play Store or the iTunes App Store.
Individuals may also call the 24-hour DNREC Dispatch Center at 302-739-4580.
A full list of equipment and a video on surf fishing on Delaware State Park beaches along with other useful resources on surf fishing can be found at https://www.destateparks.com/Adventures/Fishing
