No feeding the waterfowl in Dewey Beach

Feeding waterfowl is now prohibited by law in Dewey Beach after a unanimous commissioners’ vote June 17.

Dewey Beach Patrol Capt. Todd Fritchman requested the ordinance to regulate the feeding of waterfowl on the beaches and in town, noting the birds deposit fecal matter and create a nuisance environment.

Town Manager Bill Zolper said lifeguards could pass out cards explaining the ordinance. Commissioner David Jasinski suggested the installation of signs rather than a ticketable ordinance, to which Fritchman replied that signs prohibiting the drinking of alcohol on the beach don’t prevent consumption.

Bethany and Rehoboth each have a law prohibiting the feeding of waterfowl, Fritchman said, and he would like lifeguards to have the power of law behind them when they request beachgoers cease feeding gulls, which can present a health and safety hazard.

Police Chief Sam Mackert said if someone refuses the lifeguard’s request to stop feeding the gulls, it should be a civil, not a criminal offense, like other beach violations.

Mayor Bill Stevens said Fritchman is asking for some teeth to protect beachgoers.

“I don’t know why we wouldn’t do it,” Stevens said.

The ordinance prohibits feeding ducks, geese and seagulls because it encourages the birds to halt normal migrations and establish residency in town. 

Growing populations of waterfowl result in large amounts of waste that can spread disease, cause algae blooms in the town lake and soil public areas, the ordinance states.

Fines for violating the ordinance range from $5 to $50, plus the cost of prosecution. Subsequent offenses carry fines from $25 to $200, plus prosecution costs.

The feeding of other animals, including seals and turtles, was stricken from the ordinance as only waterfowl was listed in the ordinance title, as recommended by Town Counsel Fred Townsend.

Crowds on the beach thus far have been huge and well-behaved, Fritchman said. The beach is steadily rebuilding after the Mother’s Day storm, he said, and the current water temperature is about 64 degrees.