How to Report
Report Invasive Fishes
Delaware has been impacted ecologically and economically by both terrestrial and aquatic invasive species.
Delaware’s Division of Fish and Wildlife has developed an application to track invasive fish in Delaware. They are currently focusing on three primary species – Northern Snakehead, Blue Catfish, and Flathead Catfish. The tool utilizes volunteered geographic information provided by the recreational fishing community, allowing them to see where invasive fish are being caught. The application can be accessed on a phone, tablet, or computer and information about the fish, including location and an image, can be can easily be shared with Fish and Wildlife.
This tool will aid in management efforts, potentially helping to identify new areas of concern. If you have caught an invasive fish, please submit information thought the Delaware Invasive Fish Tracker App. Public reporting is key to preventing further spread of invasive species!
A StoryMap was created to provide information on what has been seen so far through reporting efforts. Visit the Invasive Fish in Delaware StoryMap to learn more about the species of interest as well as other aquatic invasive species being found in our area.
Learn about aquatic invaders currently present in Delaware at Delaware Fish and Wildlife’s Aquatic Invasive Species website!
Report Spotted Lanternfly
Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) has documented spotted lanternfly in New Castle County and Kent County and both counties are now in the quarantine area. To learn more visit https://agriculture.delaware.gov/plant-industries/spotted-lanternfly/.
One of the most important pieces of tracking their movement is knowing the exact location where you found the spotted lanternfly. DDA has several ways you can report sightings of spotted lanternfly.
- Submit images and location using the Online Submission Form
- Email: HitchHikerBug@delaware.gov
- Subject: Include the location of the spotted lanternfly
- Include your name, contact information, and the address or georeference where the insect was found.
- If you can, please submit a picture or pictures of any life stage, including egg masses.
- Social Media #HitchHikerBug
- With the GPS function turned on your smartphone or a camera with GPS, take a photograph of any life stage (including egg masses). Upload your photograph to Facebook or Instagram, using the hashtag #HitchHikerBug.
Whenever possible, destroy positively identified spotted lanternfly with registered insecticides and discard. When collecting suspected specimens of any life stage found outside New Castle County—place in a vial or plastic zip-lock bag with the collector’s name and contact. Submit the specimen to the Delaware Department of Agriculture Spotted Lanternfly Program for verification. Efforts to identify and destroy spotted lanternfly will help your property and community.
Report Nutria
Check out the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Chesapeake Bay Nutria Eradication Project!
If you think you’ve spotted a nutria, or would like more information on what Delaware is doing for nutria management, please contact:
Joe Rogerson
Deer and Furbearer Biologist, Certified Wildlife Biologist®
Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife
6180 Hay Point Landing Rd Smyrna, DE 19977
Office: (302) 735-3600 ext. 2
Fax: (302) 653-6755