DE HB180

Authorizes the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control to promulgate regulations for eel fishing through the Administrative Procedures Act rather than through fixed statutory limits.

Requires eel regulations to be consistent with the adopted Interstate Fishery Management Plan for American Eel.

Removes the existing statutory minimum size limit of 6 inches for eels and the 50-eel possession limit for non-commercial fishers, allowing these to be set by regulation instead.

Grants the Department authority to establish regulations covering minimum and maximum size limits, catch quantities, fishing seasons, designated areas, and approved fishing gear.

Brings Delaware into compliance with the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for American Eel to avoid enforcement action from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.