Delaware Wetlands Status and Trends

Delaware Wetlands Status and Trends

https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/watershed-stewardship/wetlands/status-and-trends/

Wetland Losses

Based on the 2007 study, as much as 25 percent of Delaware was covered by wetlands, with over 320,000 acres inventoried. Tidal wetlands represented about 23 percent of the State’s wetlands while non-tidal wetlands comprised the remainder.

Delaware may have lost as much as 54 percent of its wetlands since the 1780s. The most recent study indicates that Delaware lost almost 50 percent more wetland acreage during the span of 1992 to 2007 compared to 1981/2 to 1992.

What Wetlands Are at Risk?

Despite improved public-sector collaboration, increased research, and successful restoration efforts, Delaware’s wetlands faced many challenges during the 15 year period between 1992 and 2007.

Recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions have reduced the wetland acreage covered by regulations, while the real estate boom intensified pressure for development and infrastructure construction, which often produces direct and indirect impacts to wetlands such as increased flooding and degraded water quality.