Exploring the Inland Bays Living Resources of the Inland Bays Navigational Aids
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Living Resources of the Inland Bays Exploring the Inland Bays The Inland Bays warm, shallow mix of fresh and salt Blue Crabs Bald Eagles There are many ways to enjoy the recreational resources Kayaking and Canoeing Kayaking and Canoeing Safety Tips water creates a variety of habitats that support many spe- So named for their blue legs and particularly for the The Inland Bays watershed is home to the largest con- of the Inland Bays, including fishing, canoeing, kayaking, the Inland Bays cies, including bald eagles, ospreys, waterfowl, blue crabs, cobalt-colored claws of the males, the tasty crustaceans centration of nesting American bald eagles in the state. More sailing, motor boating, jet skiing, shellfishing, crabbing, hunt- Protect Natural Resources - Our waterways are pre- clams and finfish. White-tailed deer, wild turkey and beaver thrive in the salty seawater of the Inland Bays and its fresh- than a half dozen pairs nest in secluded areas along water- ing, wildlife watching, camping and swimming. Within the The Inland Bays offer a wide variety of paddle craft cious; carry out all items that you carry in. Obey all marine are once again common inhabitants of the watershed. How- water tributaries. Even though modern catches pale in com- ways with large trees and ample fish populations. Nest build- Inland Bays watershed there are four state parks, two state experiences and opportunities for both the beginner and regulations and stay out of restricted natural or cultural ever, for a host of other plants and animals, the future is less parison to past ones, blue crabs are an Inland Bays tradi- ing usually begins in January and by late February or March wildlife areas, two state fishing areas, eight public boat expert. With some good planning, your experiences will be resource areas. Never approach occupied nest platforms or certain in the face of habitat loss, poor water quality and tion and nothing is better than catching your own - whether they are incu- launch ramps and one publicly-owned marina. the richer. The routes suggested assume that travel is one bird nesting areas. Scaring an adult bird off a nest can place other factors. its with a hand line baited with chicken necks or by setting bating eggs. way and you have set up a shuttle at the take-out point. eggs or young birds in danger of exposure to the elements pots. Resident crabbers, regardless of method of take, are For eagles, the Fishing Put-in and take-out sites should be pre-checked to make or nearby predators. Give a wide berth to feeding and rest- limited to one bushel per person per day. Only two crab nesting season Recreational saltwater fishing is popular in the Inland sure they are open. ing birds. The birds will let you know when you are getting pots are allowed per person. is long, with Bays and nearshore Atlantic. In one survey, 78 percent of Sea kayaks move faster through the water, are more too close by fidgeting, moving away from you, or vocalizing. young birds boaters said fishing is the primary reason for boating. The stable than other paddle craft and offer more protection Know the Water - Before a trip begins, become familiar Diamondback Terrapins sticking close to game species most from weather and water conditions. Sheltered waters and with the waters and land adjacent to the water. Each water Diamondback terrapins are a brackish water turtle spe- home until late sought after are shorter trips may be more appropriate for canoeing. body presents different sites, unique challenges, and dan- cies that spend almost all their time in the water of the coastal summer. They summer flounder, All paddlers should constantly be aware of other bay gers. Even well-seasoned veterans need to become familiar salt marshes. However, females come out of the water feed on fish and sea trout, bluefish, users such as motorized boats, personal watercraft, and with a body of water before embarking on a journey. onto sandy waterfowl, tautog, white perch, other hazards. Be Prepared - Wear a personal flotation device. The areas though they rockfish and winter Holts Landing State Park to Assawoman Wildlife Area: proper equipment is essential for a safe paddling trip. Be- above the wont pass up the easy pickings provided by dead animals flounder. Smooth This 10.1 mile trip introduces the paddler to the Assawoman fore the trip begins get a weather forecast. Heat, cold, sun high tide or an opportunity to steal a fish from an osprey. dogfish, sandbar Canal, Indian River Bay and Little Assawoman Bay. The and wind are a few of the environmental factors to consider. line to lay The species has recovered dramatically since it was put sharks and kingfish canal segment is about 3 miles long. There are three poten- Equip your craft with bow and stern lines and at least a 50 their eggs on the federal Endangered Species List in 1973. In 2002 there are caught in the tial access sites in the Assawoman Wildlife Area, however foot safety throwing line. Carry a spare paddle, extra cloth- The bays, with an average depth of 3 to 8 feet, have no between were 27 nesting pairs throughout the state, the highest num- surf. White marlin, yellowfin tuna, mako shark, cod and ling access may be seasonally restricted. Winds may affect travel ing, maps, first aid kit, food and water in the boat. Foot gear shortage of shallow water habitat favorable for many spe- late May ber in Division of Fish and Wildlife records. However, the are caught in the ocean. Surf fishing is popular at Delawares time and difficulty. Allow 5 hours. Holts Landing State Park, will protect feet from unseen underwater hazards. Take sun- cies of aquatic plants, fish, shellfish, crabs, scallops and and mid- birds sensitivity to human disturbance puts its full recov- state park beaches. Permits are available for driving vehicles 302-539-9060. Assawoman Wildlife Area, 302-539-3160. screen and plenty of drinking water. The marine environ- worms - as long as the water is clear enough to permit sun- July. Although ery on a collision course with shoreline development since onto designated areas. The number of miles open varies Holts Landing State Park to Millsboro: This 9.6 mile ment can quickly change and you must be prepared for light to reach the bottom and levels of nutrients, primarily many terrapins nest in safer most nests occur on private lands where protection is harder according to the time of year. trip introduces the paddler to open waters of Indian River those changes. nitrogen and phosphorus, are kept in check. While nutrients places, such as Burton Island and the to achieve. There also is ongoing concern about contamina- Bay and Indian River. Winds and currents may affect travel Travel In A Group - Paddling alone is not recommended. are essential for the growth of all living organisms in the beaches of the Inland Bays, many others are tion from organophosphates, the quality and quantity of Shellfishing time and difficulty. Allow 5 hours. Holts Landing State Park, The less the skill of the paddler, and the less that is known bays, excessive amounts degrade water quality and cause forced to cross Route 1 through Delaware Seashore State forage fish, and disturbance to nesting and feeding adults. Clamming is a popular Inland Bays pastime. In areas 302-539-9060. about the water body, the more important this rule becomes. harmful algae and plankton blooms. An excessive level of Park in order to find suitable nesting habitat. Unfortunately, approved by Delawares Shellfish Program, harvesting is Delaware Seashore State Park at Haven Road to Tower Getting On and Off the Water - A frequent cause of nutrients is the most serious environmental problem facing many are killed by traffic before they can make it to the other allowed year-round. Seasonally approved areas are open Road Bayside: This 4.6 mile trip follows along the marshy paddling accidents is the simple act of putting a kayak or the Inland Bays. side. Those that make it risk the same fate on the return trip. Observing Nesting Birds Dec. 1-April 15. Of the 32 square miles of the Rehoboth, shores of the Rehoboth Bay. Allow 3 hours. Delaware Sea- canoe into the water, getting into it or getting ashore. Do not Runoff is another cause of poor water quality. Not only Please be alert when driving on Rt. 1 and watch for terrapins While some ospreys and eagles nest close to human Indian River and Little shore State Park, 302-227-2800. push or drag the boat. Carry craft to the water. Use boat ramps can it dump dangerous levels of chemicals from fertilizers crossing the road. habitations, most nesting birds are sensitive to human ac- Assawoman bays, 19 square Lewes to Delaware Seashore State Park at Tower Road when they are available and avoid shoreline vegetation. and pesticides into the water, but it can also bring in topsoil. A two-foot high wooden slat fence has been installed tivity around their nests. It can even cause some birds, or miles are currently considered Bayside: From town boat ramp, this 9.2 mile trip is primarily Loading And Capacity - Load a boat so that it stays The tiny particles of dirt become suspended in the water, along an area where female turtles have been crossing the whole colonies of birds, to abandon their nests. Some birds suitable for clamming for human along the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal. 1.5 miles is in Rehoboth level. Distribute the weight evenly and keep the creating murky conditions that shut out the sunlight that highway in large numbers to lay their eggs in sandy areas may find a new site and attempt to renest, but others may consumption.