On May 15, 2013 Governor Markell signed the shark fin bill, which forbids the possession, sale, offer for sale, and distribution of shark fins in Delaware. This bill removes Delaware from the global market for shark fins, protecting threatened and endangered shark species worldwide.
The Delaware Chapter of the Sierra Club has concerns pertaining to the Environmental Impact Statement for the City of Rehoboth Beach proposed ocean outfall. The Environmental Impact Statement recommends a plan for an ocean outfall for treated wastewater from the Rehoboth Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant as “the most technically feasible, cost effective and environmentally friendly alternative.” To accommodate a summer peak flow of 7.2 million gall
Shark fin soup is driving an international market in the trade of shark fins - a market that threatens the ocean as we know it. As top predators in the ocean, sharks serve an important function; they balance the ecosystem.
December 14, 2012 was a big day for Atlantic menhaden. The Delaware representatives to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission joined in a historic vote to protect this small fish from future overfishing.
For the very first time, a coast-wide catch limit (Total Allowable Catch) was implemented for Atlantic menhaden, which have suffered in recent years from overfishing for the "fish reduction industry", which makes cosmetics, paints, industrial lubricants, animal feed and Omega 3 vitamin supplements from this small forage fish.
When plastic bags blow away, they often end up in the ocean. Exposed to wave action and sunlight, plastic bags break down into small particles called “microplastics.” Microplastics absorb toxins from the water, including persistent organic pollutants such as flame retardants, dioxins, PCBs and pesticides. Plankton eat microplastic particles, introducing toxins into the marine food web. When fish eat these plankton, they bioaccumulate the toxins in their bodies. People who eat fish that have bioaccumulated toxins can be exposed to dangerous levels of pollution.
On Wednesday, August 8, 2012 the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission met in Arlington, Virginia to make decisions critical to the future of the Atlantic Menhaden. Delaware's commissioners joined those from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Georgia, Florida and the National Marine Fisheries Service in support of releasing the Draft Amendment 2 to the fishery management plan for public comment.
Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator reports on the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary's forum on sea level rise.
