DNREC Sets New Daily Recreational Possession Limit on Spot

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) is working to restore the Spot Fish stock. DNREC, by order of the Secretary, has established a daily recreational possession limit of 50 spot fish. This action was taken to keep Delaware in compliance with the ASMFC’s Addendum III to the Omnibus Amendment for Spot fish, spotted seatrout and Spanish mackerel to the Fishery Management Plan for Spot. The most recent Spot fish stock assessment estimated that the population had declined below the conservation threshold – requiring the action taken by DNREC as defines in the ASMFC’s fishery management plan.

Additional information from DNREC:

Spot fish are a small saltwater species that inhabit estuaries and coastal waters from Massachusetts to Texas. Though seldom over 10 inches long, spot are a fun fish to catch for recreational anglers and considered very good grilling fare as seafood. Spot also are a favored baitfish by larger predatory fish when they go to sea to spawn at 2 to 3 years old.

Though Delaware’s possession limit is in effect, the DNREC Secretary’s Order lists two exceptions that recognize the importance of spot as a baitfish, in addition to its value as a food fish. One is that vessels engaged in recreational fishing or in transit to or from a recreational fishing destination may possess 50 spot per angler onboard the vessel. The other exception allows licensed Delaware fishing guides, charter boats and head boats to possess more than 50 spot between the license holder’s residence and business location.