LEWES, Del.- Surf fishing permit rates on Delaware beaches are going up again.
DNREC decided to raise the rates Thursday for the second time in 15 years.
The price for Delaware residents is increasing from $80 to $90 and $160 to $180 for out of state residents. The permits provide access to all Delaware state parks for the year. Two-year permits can be purchased at the current price before Feb. 1, so some holders won't be affected by the increase until 2021.
DNREC is also capping the number of permits.
"Right now we're issuing about 17,000 a year. We're seeing a 7% increase," said Director of Delaware State Parks, Ray Bivens. "We knew something had to be done to manage the program."
DNREC says the fee increase will go toward more targeted enforcement of park rules and regulations
Two-year surf fishing permits can be purchased at the same price for a couple more weeks. The new rates and the restriction on the number of tags issued will not take effect until Feb. 1.