PDE History
So much has happened in the last couple of decades. Take a look.
The Environmental Protection Agency recognizes the Delaware Estuary as an estuary of significance
Partnership for the Delaware Estuary officially incorporated as a non-profit organization
The Delaware Estuary Program publishes its first Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan (CCMP)
PDE moves into its first office at Bellevue State Park in Wilmington, Delaware, with help from DNREC
Artist Frank McShane creates first PDE logo
PDE holds its first Experience the Estuary Celebration at the Camden Aquarium.
PDE hosts the first Green City, Clean Waters drawing contest with the Philadelphia Water Department.
PDE celebrates its first Pennsylvania Coast Day (now the Delaware River Festival) at Fairmount Park in Philadelphia
Delaware Bay Oyster Restoration Project and Profile Campaign launches/ 280,000 bushels of oyster shells planted the first year.
PDE offices move to current location by the Riverfront in Wilmington, Delaware
First Delaware Estuary Science & Environmental Summit is held. Brings together 248 people to talk science, environment, and restoration
Science and Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) for the Delaware Estuary forms to advise the National Estuary Program on emerging concerns and long-term health of the estuary's resources
PDE and Rutgers University apply for grant and design their first shellfish-based living shoreline for the Delaware Estuary, with help from New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Freshwater Mussel Recovery Program established. Learn more about it here
First mussel hatchery established in partnership with Cheyney University
PDE publishes its first State of the Estuary report. Click here to see.
PDE's first living shoreline project of the Delaware Estuary Living Shorelines Initiative is built outside of Bivalve, New Jersey. This is in partnership with the Rutgers University Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory. Read more
First Technical Report for the Delaware Estuary River Basin published (revised every five years). Click here to see.
PDE begins oyster shell recycling program in New Castle County, Delaware
PDE opens freshwater mussel hatchery lab at Fairmount Water Works Educational Center in Philadelphia
PDE joins six partners on the Aquatic Research and Restoration Center (ARRC) memorandum of understanding. Lays the groundwork for a large-scale mussel hatchery. Read more
Delaware Estuary Program revises CCMP for the first time since original was published in 1996. Implementation of new CCMP announced. Read more.
We celebrating an addition to our living shoreline at the Lewes Canal in Delaware.
PDE celebrates its 25th anniversary