Delaware man cited for possession of prohibited shark parts

Press Release

Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control ( DNREC )
State of Delaware

09. October 2014

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Fish & Wildlife Enforcement reminds citizens to review Delaware and federal regulations before posting fish or wildlife parts for sale

DOVER (Oct. 9, 2014) – Over the past 10 days, DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife Enforcement Natural Resources Police officers investigated two separate cases involving illegal possession and attempted sale of prohibited fish or wildlife parts.

• On Sept. 30, Fish & Wildlife Enforcement officers cited a Dagsboro individual for possession of prohibited shark parts in connection with an attempt to sell a set of sand tiger shark jaws. Sand tiger sharks are a prohibited species which are protected under state and federal law, making possession of such a shark or parts thereof illegal. The fine for the violation is $25 to $100 plus court costs.
• On Oct. 2, Fish & Wildlife Enforcement officers cited a Millsboro individual for violating federal regulations by attempting to sell jewelry made from waterfowl taken during the 2014 waterfowl hunting season. The fine for the violation is $25 to $100 plus court costs.

“These two cases illustrate the importance of the public acquainting themselves with state and federal regulations before posting for sale items that include parts taken from fish or wildlife. In many cases, sale of such items is prohibited,” said Cpl. John McDerby, Division of Fish & Wildlife Enforcement Natural Resources Police.

“In general, under the Delaware Code, it is unlawful for any person to collect, possess, import, export, buy, sell or offer for sale any native wildlife species or any part thereof without a permit from the director of the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife, or, alternately, written documentation to confirm that said wildlife was legally taken and transported from another state,” McDerby said. State regulations prohibit sale of recreationally-caught game or food fish without a commercial license, he added.

Regarding sharks specifically, the sand tiger, sandbar, smooth dogfish and spiny dogfish are the most commonly caught shark species in Delaware. Anglers may take smooth dogfish and spiny dogfish sharks all year with no minimum size requirements and no daily limit.

However, anglers are prohibited from taking sand tiger and sandbar sharks. Due to their low reproductive rate and overfishing, both species are protected and none may be retained. No hook and line angler may remove from the water any sand tiger or sandbar shark, or any other prohibited species of shark. In addition, any sandbar shark or other prohibited species of shark must be immediately released in a manner that will ensure maximum probability of survival. Possessing parts of these sharks also is prohibited, and subject to fines.

For more information about sharks, including lists of prohibited and non-prohibited sharks, and descriptions and illustrations of species, please click 2014 Delaware Fishing Guide. The guide also is available in printed form at DNREC’s Dover licensing desk, and from license agents throughout the state. For additional information, please call the Fisheries Section at 302-739-9914.

Source: DNREC