Invasive Species

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Did you know it is illegal to transport an invasive species alive?

Help protect Delaware’s waterways by reporting invasive fish after harvest. You can submit your report on the Delaware invasive fish reporting webpage or use your phone to scan the QR code.

QR code linking to information about invasive fish species in Delaware waters. — Scan this QR code to learn more about invasive fish species in Delaware and how anglers can help protect native freshwater ecosystems.

Flathead Catfish

Flathead catfish are most easily recognized by their broad, flat head, brown mottled coloration and lower jaw which sticks out further than the upper.

Large invasive catfish displayed on a measuring board, photographed by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. — An invasive catfish shown on a measuring board illustrates the importance of species identification and reporting to help protect native fish populations.

Blue Catfish

The invasive blue catfish (on top), and a channel catfish (lower) can be differentiated by spreading out the anal fin and looking for a straight or lobed appearance.

Two large catfish lying side by side on a metal surface, showing differences in body size and coloration. — A comparison of two catfish highlights the importance of accurate species identification, helping anglers understand regulated and invasive species.

Northern Snakehead (Mature)

Invasive northern snakehead displayed on a measuring board, showing a long body with mottled dark markings. — An invasive northern snakehead shown on a measuring board highlights the importance of identifying and reporting invasive fish species.

Northern snakehead are identified by a long dorsal (back) fin and anal fin, a rounded tail, and a large mouth reaching beyond the eye with many, sharp teeth. They are often confused with native bowfin. For additional fish identification information, visit the Delaware fish species identification webpage.

Northern Snakehead (Juvenile)

Juvenile northern snakehead displayed on a ruler, showing distinctive dark, chain-like markings along the body. — A juvenile northern snakehead shown on a measuring ruler highlights identifying features of this invasive species.

Shellfish Aquaculture — Inland Bays

Anglers and boaters should be aware that shellfish aquaculture leases are established in Delaware’s Inland Bays. Leased areas may contain submerged or floating aquaculture gear. Although anglers may fish in these areas, it is unlawful to anchor on a leased area or tie a vessel to any lease markers or gear. It is also unlawful to harvest any cultured or wild bivalve shellfish from the lease sites or associated navigation corridors. Shellfish aquaculture leases are presently located in the areas indicated on page 17; however, other areas may be leased in the future. For an interactive map of leased areas and additional program details, visit the Delaware shellfish aquaculture program webpage.

Shallow freshwater cove in Delaware marked with numerous white stakes in calm water near a forested shoreline. — A freshwater cove marked with stakes shows managed aquatic areas in Delaware, supporting habitat conservation and fishing access.

Shellfish aquaculture leases in the Indian River and Rehoboth Bays must be marked with 6-inch PVC pipe and shellfish aquaculture leases in Little Assawoman Bay must be marked with 9 x 16 inch orange bullet floats.

The Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! campaign encourages anglers and boaters to clean, drain, and dry equipment to prevent the spread of invasive species, supporting conservation efforts.

CLEAN all visible aquatic plants from watercraft and trailers as well as waders and boots.
DRAIN equipment (boat bilge, ballast tanks, bait containers, motor) before leaving any water access area.
DISPOSE of unwanted live bait (minnows, worms) in the trash.
REPORT: In most cases, new fish species that are introduced into our waters don’t survive or present a problem. But some may flourish and potentially cause ecological or economic harm. When there is harm, these species are called invasive. Currently, we have several species in our waters that we are tracking as potentially invasive and the department could use your help to document new sites. If you catch a fish you believe is unusual, please email, call (302) 739-9914, or submit a report using the Delaware invasive fish reporting webpage from your phone. If you catch a Northern snakehead, blue catfish or flathead catfish please do not return it to the water, but kill it and contact us. Document the catch by freezing it or taking a good photo.