Inland Bays Shorezone Fish & Blue Crab Survey

The Inland Bays Shorezone Fish & Blue Crab Survey is a citizen science program at its best. This all-volunteer effort is studying the fish population of the Inland Bays at 16 sites around the three Bays and their tributaries. 2011 was the first year of this long-term study that will track the changes in the fish community over time.
What it’s like to do a Survey
The project is completed by multiple teams of 3 to 5 volunteers, which sample the sites using seine nets. The teams use 30-foot nets to capture fish which are identified, counted, measured, and returned to the Bays. With more than 100 species of fish known to use the Bays (48 collected in 2018!), teams never know what they will find.
Get Involved
Interested in helping out with the 2023 survey season? Contact Environmental Science Coordinator, Zachary Garmoe, at zgarmoe@inlandbays.org to find out about current opportunities. Follow the steps below to join us in the field!
Step 1: Attend or Watch the virtual Inland Bays Shorezone Fish & Blue Crab Survey training
Step 2: Review the Frequently Asked Questions
When does the survey occur?
How long does the survey take?
Do I need to attend all the surveys if I sign up for a team?
What do I need to bring?
Can my children or grandchildren come?
What if I don’t know how to identify fish species?
Where does each team survey? Teams 2 and 6 survey the upper Indian River (starting at Sandy Beach Drive in Dagsboro, and ending at the Peninsula Community in Long Neck). Team 2 goes out in the first half of each month, Team 6 goes out in the second half of each month. Team 3 and 7 survey the southern Indian River (starting at the new G. & E. Hocker’s Supermarket at Cedar Neck and Fred Hudson Road, and ending in a community by the James Farm Ecological Preserve off Cedar Neck Road). Team 3 goes out in the first half of each month, Team 7 goes out in the second half of each month. Teams 4 and 8 survey Little Assawoman Bay (starting at Fenwick Island State Park Bayside, just south of South Bethany, and ending in the Assawoman Wildlife Refuge). Team 4 goes out in the first half of each month, Team 8 goes out in the second half of each month
Can I sign up for more than one team?
What is it like to be a team leader?
If you have any other questions, please contact Zachary Garmoe at 302-226-8105 ext. 710 or zgarmoe@inlandbays.org.
Step 3: Complete and Submit the Sign-Up Form
Open enrollment for the 2023 Fish and Blue Crab Survey begins after the training session on March 8th. For more information, please contact Environmental Science Coordinator, Zach Garmoe at zgarmoe@inlandbays.org.
Step 4: Complete and Submit the Volunteer Liability Waivers*
COVID-19 Waiver: Please fill out and submit the completed form to volunteer@inlandbays.org.
*These waivers are required for each individual or family member participating and they should be completed prior to your survey date. Please note: Individuals under the age of 18 must have an adult chaperone on-hand at all times.
Step 5: Have Fun!
Thank you for supporting the Center’s mission by getting involved with our work! If you would like more information about other volunteer opportunities with the Center, fill out our 2023 Volunteer Application. Another way to support our mission is by donating HERE!
Volunteer Resources/Documents
- 2023 Volunteer Waiver
- COVID-19 Volunteer Waiver
- Survey Protocols
- Inland Bays Fish Identification Guide (PDF)
- Likely Fish Species List: April & May
Data and Project Reports
- Inshore Fish Survey 2011
- Inshore Fish Survey Report 2012
- Inshore Fish Survey Report 2013
- Inshore Fish Survey Report 2014
- Inshore Fish Survey Report 2015
- Inshore Fish Survey Report 2016
- Inshore Fish Survey Project Report 2016
- Inshore Fish Survey Project Report 2017
- Inshore Fish Survey Project Report 2018
- Inshore Fish Survey Project Report 2019
Remembering Ron Kernehan
On Tuesday, August 18, 2015, members of the Inland Bays Fish Survey and staff gathered at the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays to remember and honor our friend and colleague Ron Kernehan.
View the slide show. | Watch Ron in action. | Read our remembrance.