Delaware 2022 impairedrivers

Highest percentage of impaired rivers and streams

Delaware 2021 redknot

Red knot numbers reach lowest on record

hist-5552-photo-Feds Finally Turn Attention to the Delaware River

Feds finally turn attention to the Delaware River

Delaware 2017 saltmarshsparrow

Tidal marsh degradation threatens Saltmarsh Sparrow

Delaware 2017 lighthouse2

Impacts of warming on east coast estuary

Delaware 2016 easternblackrail

Black rail populations on the decline

Delaware 2015 saltmarsh

Demise of the trees

Delaware 2013 horseshoecrab

reTURN The Favor program initiated

Delaware 2012 redknot

Red knot populations plummet due to threats to horseshoe crabs

hist-5550-photo-Dredging in the Bay Affects Native Species

Dredging in the Bay affects native species

hist-5549-photo-Worst Ever Oil spill on Delaware River Destroys Bay Estuary

Worst ever oil spill on Delaware River destroys Bay estuary

hist-5548-photo- The Projected Effects of Global Sea Rise on Delaware Bay Marshes

The projected effects of global sea rise on Delaware Bay marshes

hist-5547-photo-Cape May National Wildlife Refuge Established

Cape May National Wildlife Refuge established

hist-5546-photo-Development and Pollution in the Delaware Inland Bay

Development and pollution in the Delaware Inland Bay

Delaware 1971 returnofdunes

Delaware seeks return of dunes

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Great flocks of geese in Taylors Gut

Delaware 1954 broadkill

Trying to prevent erosion on Broadkill Beach

Delaware 1950 wetlandloss

Beginning of major wetland loss

hist-5541-photo-Fishing with the Delaware Bay Watermen, James Hanna

Fishing with the Delaware Bay watermen

hist-5540-photo-Collapse of Shad Fishery in Delaware Bay

Collapse of shad fishery in Delaware Bay

hist-5539-photo-Ducking in Delaware Bay, New York Times

Ducking in Delaware Bay

hist-5537-photo-Delaware Breakwater Constructed Behind Cape Henlopen

Delaware breakwater constructed behind Cape Henlopen

hist-5536-photo-Shad Save Washington’s Starving Troops at Valley Forge

Shad save Washington’s starving troops at Valley Forge

Delaware 1762 townbankmap

Whaling ends in the Bay

Delaware 1693 whaling

Whaling in the Bay is so successful that tax imposed

Delaware 1680 shad

Shads so plentiful

Delaware 1679 ducks

Water black with ducks

Delaware 1671 colonists

Colonists push Indigenous peoples out, reducing hunting territories

Delaware 1655 newsweden

Iroquois/Minquesser first people grant land for a Swedish colony on Delaware Bay

Delaware 1654 milkandhoney

Land of milk and honey

Delaware 1631 whale

American whaling begins in the Delaware Bay

hist-5533-photo-Henry Hudson Explores Delaware Bay

Henry Hudson explores Delaware Bay

Delaware early1600s sugarmaple

Wild sugar maples

Delaware 1600s wildberries

Wild plant foods

Delaware 1600s yellowperch

Native fishing

Delaware 1500s lenape

Lenape Country

“Lenape Wihittuck” and “Poutaxat”

Delaware 1500s bay1889

The Lenni-Lenape fishing in the Bay

Delaware Bay

Habitat Erosion

Extensive engineering projects, human development, and rising sea levels are causing increased erosion of sand beaches and marsh habitats. Marshes are being ‘pushed’ upland, increasing creek salinity and causing the destruction of tree cover. Migratory birds who flock to the region to spawn face destruction of the breeding grounds.

Oil Pollution

The Bay’s rivers are home to several petrochemical plants, providing transportation for fossil fuels. Several oil spills in the region have occurred, destroying habitats and killing wildlife. Industrial runoff from the heavily developed region around the estuary damages niche environments and puts further stress on species who maintain water quality like mussels and oysters.

Overfishing

Once home to an abundance of aquatic species, the Bay has been a site of major non-sustainable fishing practices. Species like the shad have experienced major overfishing through the years. Demand for horseshoe crab has simultaneously put stress on the endangered red knot, which migrates to the region to feast on crab eggs each spring. 

Climate Change

Rising sea levels threaten the Delaware Bay’s salt marsh landscape. These habitats help preserve the bay and coastal communities, in addition to providing an abundance of biodiversity. Native fauna depend on marshes for breeding, nursery, and feeding. These landscapes are being wiped away as the ocean warms and sea levels rise. An increase in the frequency and intensity of severe weather events further threatens the region. 

Most Pressing Issues

Wetlands Institute

The Wetlands Institute has brought scientists and volunteer citizens together to conduct censuses of the ecologically vital horseshoe crab population.

American Litoral Society

The American Litoral Society works closely with state and non-profit land trust partners to preserve areas in the Dela- ware Bayshore area important to water quality, aquatic resources, wildlife and public access.

Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey

The Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey and the Endangered and Nongame Species Program (ENSP) of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Fish & Wildlife work to conduct research on Delaware Bay shorebirds in order to prevent their decline.

How You Can Help