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Delaware

Fishing

Fishing

Artificial Reef Program

Delaware has fourteen permitted artificial reef sites in Delaware Bay and along the Atlantic Coast. Development of these sites began in 1995 and will continue. The Delaware Reef Program is one part of a comprehensive fisheries management effort and is designed to enhance fisheries habitat, benefit structure-oriented fish, and provide fishing opportunities for anglers.

The site charts in the free reef guide show where reef materials have been deployed since 1995. The reef program uses DGPS (Differential Global Positioning System) to accurately place materials on site. Locations (latitude - longitude) noted for each site indicate the position of deployments of reef material from an anchored barge. In the case of large, concentrated reef deployments, a latitude or longitude range, may be given such as: N 39 15.377’-402’. This indicates material occurs between 39 degrees, 15.377 to 15.402 minutes north latitude. Due to variability between DGPS receivers, slight variations in readings may occur. It is suggested you use your GPS and a good fathometer to locate reef structure, then note the coordinates on your own GPS. You can explore the Delaware Reef Guide online or contact the Fisheries Little Creek field office for a copy (302) 735-2960.

A large decommissioned ferry is partially submerged as it is intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef off the coast. The ship, repurposed by DNREC, will provide habitat for marine life and enhance fishing and diving opportunities in Delaware waters.
Creating a new underwater habitat! This decommissioned ferry is being intentionally sunk off the Delaware coast as part of an artificial reef project by DNREC. These reefs provide essential habitat for marine life and improve fishing and diving opportunities.