Chesapeake Bay News

Starting Jan. 1, 2010, Maryland anglers will need to register with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) before fishing. Anglers can register for free online or by calling a toll-free phone number.

This requirement is an essential part of a national commitment to effectively manage saltwater fish populations. The registry will allow fishermen and policy makers to work together to assess the contributions and impacts of saltwater anglers on ocean ecosystems, coastal economies and fish populations. Since the requirement includes anyone who may catch an anadromous species (fish that travel between salt and fresh waters), anyone fishing in the Chesapeake Bay, its tributaries and coastal waters, must be registered.

“According to a recent NOAA Fisheries Survey, saltwater anglers had an overall economic impact of $82 billion and generated more than half a million jobs nationwide,” said Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Service Director Tom O’Connell. “It’s only appropriate that recreational anglers be counted and thereby have a substantial impact on the management and health of coastal fish stocks.”

This initiative, known as the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), is designed to produce accurate information that will help determine the condition of fish stocks. This data will allow anglers, fisheries managers and others to effectively and fairly set strategies for ensuring the long-term sustainability of recreational fishing in salt waters.

DNR expects at the beginning of fishing in 2011, the Maryland fishing license will accommodate the requirements for the National Saltwater Registry. But, for 2010, anglers must all register directly with NOAA.

Anglers who do not need to register are those under 16 years old, anglers fishing on a charter boat, commercial fishermen at work, anglers holding highly migratory species permits, and anglers who hold a saltwater license from a state where they are automatically registered. Anglers fishing in one of Maryland’s Free Fishing areas or who are otherwise exempt from buying a Maryland fishing license still need to register with NOAA.

The process is simple and free of charge. On or after January 1, go online to www.countmyfish.noaa.gov or call 1-888-MRIP-411 (888-674-7411)

source: DNR press release

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Water Improvement Fund has partnered with Perryville to increase tourism and stimulate the local economy, while increasing public access to the Susquehanna River. With $618,950 from the Waterway Improvement Fund, Perryville recently awarded a contract worth approximately $1.14 million to construct a new boating pier and twelve boat slips to Maryland based contractor Dissen and Juhn.

“This is a wonderful project that will both help the local economy as well as expand public access to the Susquehanna,” said DNR Director of Boating Services Bob Gaudette.

The new pier will be 575 feet long, and 10 feet wide, with a gangway connecting to a floating dock system that will provide 12 new boat slips for visiting boaters. Residents will also enjoy access to the pier for nature watching and town events. Construction will begin in December and is expected to be completed by November 2010.

“We view this project as an enhancement to the Lower Susquehanna River trail system, an economic stimulus through increased tourism and additional water access for this river front community,” said Perryville Mayor James L. Eberhardt.

“This project will greatly enhance water access, recreation, heritage tourism and hopefully be the impetus for the economic development of the town’s waterfront as well as the revitalization of the old downtown area,” said Town Commissioner Barbara A. Brown. “I am extremely happy that everyone who has worked with the town to make this project happen will see their efforts pay off.”

The Waterway Improvement Fund is supported by the 5 percent vessel excise tax that is paid when a boat is titled in Maryland. The project is also funded in part with federal funds from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and by Perryville.

source: DNR press release

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Waterway Improvement Fund has provided state funding to Harford County to dredge areas in the Bush River and Otter Point Creek. The project will provide access for hundreds of recreational boaters to two popular boat ramps and a marina.

“This is a long awaited project for local boaters and will greatly enhance access to these popular waterways,” said DNR Boating Services Director Bob Gaudette.

An estimated 20,000 cubic yards of dredge material will be removed from several channels and spurs. A dredged material placement (DMP) site in Perryman has been constructed to receive the materials. The total cost of the project, including the DMP site, will be approximately $2.2 million.

Dredging of the main channels is expected to be completed by December 31. Dredging of the spurs and marina basin should be complete by February 15, 2010. Access and navigation in these popular areas will be improved for recreational boaters well in advance of the next boating season.

“Harford County is excited to see this dredging project being completed,” said Paul Magness of the Harford County Department of Parks and Recreation. “It was a long permitting process and we worked with the Army Corps of Engineers to ensure appropriate environmental precautions are being taken. Thousands of commercial and recreational boaters will directly benefit from this work as it will enhance water access at the public and private boat launch sites along the channel.”

The dredging is financed through the Waterway Improvement Fund, the revenues of which come from the 5 percent vessel excise tax that is paid when a boat is titled in Maryland. To learn more about the Waterway Improvement Fund grants administered by DNR’s Boating Services Unit, visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/grants.asp

source: DNR press release

Maryland Sea Grant is seeking research proposals for a special one-year funding cycle. Projects will run from February 1, 2011-January 31, 2012. Pre-proposals are due on February 16, 2010, and final proposals will be due in June 2010.

Details about the research focus for this RFP will be posted in early January at: www.mdsg.umd.edu/programs/research.

for more information, visit: http://www.mdsg.umd.edu/

On December 9 and 10, 2009, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO) hosted a 2-day stakeholders summit in New York City that brought together more than 135 participants from nongovernmental organizations, academia, industry, citizens and state and federal government. The goal was to raise public awareness of ocean issues and to provide the opportunity to create strong, lasting partnerships among stakeholder interests across the region.

“We have taken the first step toward improving the quality of the water in our Oceans,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Now we must continue to work together, taking actions based on science, to create a more sustainable future for our states, our coastline and the waters that surround us.”

The event, Mid-Atlantic Ocean Conservation: Building Partnerships to Take Action, represented the first formal opportunity stakeholders had to discuss and offer input on regional ocean issues since MARCO was created in June by governors of Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Virginia.

“The National Aquarium is very excited to be a part of this effort to develop and implement programs in the Mid-Atlantic region to protect our oceans,” said the National Aquarium’s Manager of Conservation Laura Bankey. “Through our participation, we hope to work with new and existing partners to promote ocean health and to help people apply practical solutions for protecting marine life and our coastlines.”

The event featured presentations on MARCO, the Governors’ Agreement on Ocean Conservation and the four priorities that the states are committed to collaboratively addressing water quality: climate change, offshore energy and habitat protection. Other presentations included an update on President Obama’s National Ocean Policy Task Force and how its upcoming recommendations on ocean health and Marine Spatial Planning will impact the region.

“We are excited about the efforts by Governor O’Malley and the State of Maryland to work with the other Mid-Atlantic States to improve the coordination of ocean resource management through the establishment of MARCO,” said Steve Bunker, Director of Conservation Programs for the Maryland Office of The Nature Conservancy. “As an organization deeply concerned about the future of our oceans, the Conservancy looks forward to working with MARCO and other ocean stakeholders to chart a course that provides 21st century challenges with solutions that meet the needs of both people and nature.”

Participants described the discussions as highly interactive, and it helped build support from key stakeholders and the public. The sessions identified additional concerns or priorities involving the ocean; to identified programs, activities and resources that stakeholders would commit to in order to accomplish the actions in the Agreement; and identified steps to continue engaging stakeholders. Facilitators were able to electronically capture and share participant feedback in real time.

The meeting promoted energized discussion and exchange of information to identify and clarify perspectives on issues affecting the region and the potential benefits coordinated regional approaches could provide.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites Maryland waterfowl artists to enter the 36th Annual Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest.

“Proceeds from the sale of these stamps help fund waterfowl and migratory game bird projects as well as much needed research,” said DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service Associated Director Bob Beyer.

All entered designs must be the artist’s original work, neither copied nor duplicated from any previously published paintings, drawings, prints, or photographs of the contestant, or any other artist. Each contestant may submit up to three entries. The entry fee, signed Agreement to Enter the Contest form, and entries with completed Entry Identification Forms attached to the back must be received by 4:00 p.m. on March 22, 2010 at The Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest, Friends of Patuxent, Patuxent Research Refuge/National Wildlife Visitor Center, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop Laurel, MD 20708-4027.

Entries will be judged at noon on Saturday, March 27, 2010 in conjunction with the 21st Annual Patuxent Wildlife Art Show at the National Wildlife Visitors Center in Laurel. Contestants and the public are invited to attend the contest judging process. Admission is free.

The stamp can be purchased by any citizen for $9 and is required for all migratory game bird hunters in Maryland. For a list of species eligible for depiction and full contest rules visit http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/duckstamp or contact Bob Beyer at bbeyer@dnr.state.md.us or 410-260-8535.

source: DNR press release

The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) have investigated several reports of oyster poaching, which resulted in charges.

On December 2, 2009 in Dorchester County, the NRP charged an individual with harvesting oysters within an oyster sanctuary.

On November 24, 2009 in Somerset County, the NRP charged  and individual with harvesting oysters within an oyster sanctuary.

Oyster Sanctuaries are protected areas for the propagation of oysters and do not allow the harvesting of oysters within the marked boundaries.

Recently, Governor Martin O’Malley released the details of Maryland’s Proposed Oyster Restoration and Aquaculture Development Plan, a new multi-faceted effort to rebuild Maryland’s decimated native oyster population. The plan will build on efforts expand oyster sanctuaries increase aquaculture leasing opportunities, while maintaining a more targeted, scientifically managed public fishery.

As part of the plan, DNR is undertaking a number of enforcement reforms, among them working with federal partners to install a network of radars and cameras that will help the NRP monitor oyster sanctuaries and prevent poaching.

“Our native oyster is part of the public trust,” said Governor Martin O’Malley, “and we have a clear and urgent responsibility to restore and protect this iconic species for future generations,” said Governor O’Malley.

source: DNR press release

On December 3, 2009, Governor Martin O’Malley released the details of Maryland’s Proposed Oyster Restoration and Aquaculture Development Plan, a new multi-faceted effort to rebuild Maryland’s decimated native oyster population. The plan will build on efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay and expand oyster sanctuaries and aquaculture leasing opportunities. Joined by scientists, environmental advocates, aquaculture entrepreneurs, industry representatives, recreational fishermen and State officials, the Governor made the announcement at the Annapolis Maritime Museum, the former site of Annapolis’ last shellfish packing business, McNasby’s Oyster Company, which closed in 1987.

“Today we are announcing a 3-step plan that will simultaneously help us restore the Chesapeake Bay, bring back our native oyster, and create new jobs and economic activity in our state,” said Governor O’Malley. “Our native oyster is part of the public trust, and we have a clear and urgent responsibility to restore this iconic species to the Chesapeake Bay. Today marks a critical next step in our efforts to rebuild the population for ecological and economic benefits. By some projections, today’s actions could contribute as much as $25 million to Maryland’s economy and create over 200 jobs.”

“Governor O’Malley is proposing to do for oysters what he did for blue crabs. Bravo. This plan will bring more oysters to the Bay. That will be good for the ecology and good for the economy. Oyster lovers will benefit and so will the seafood industry, with more jobs and prosperity. What a win for everyone,” said Will Baker, president of CBF.

The plan is designed to enhance oyster restoration for ecological purposes and encourage the development of aquaculture businesses, while continuing to support a more targeted and sustainable public oyster fishery. As proposed, it will:

1. Significantly increase Maryland’s network of oyster sanctuaries — from 9% to 24% of remaining quality habitat — as well as the State’s ability to enforce them. Sanctuaries allow oysters to live longer, spawn without harvest pressure and, over time, develop natural resistance to disease. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is also undertaking a number of enforcement reforms, including a collaborative effort with federal partners to install a network of radars and cameras that will help Natural Resources Police monitor oyster sanctuaries and prevent poaching.

2. Increase areas open to leasing for oyster aquaculture and streamline the permitting process. This is based on the legislation Governor O’Malley sponsored in 2009, and will include the opening of 95,524 acres of natural oyster bars to leasing.

3. Identify areas off limits to leasing. This proposal will maintain 167,720 acres of natural oyster bars for the wild oyster fishery, including 76% of the Bay’s remaining quality oyster habitat. This will allow for continued support of a more targeted, sustainable, and scientifically managed public oyster fishery.

“By opening up these areas for oyster aquaculture, we estimate there could be up to 150 oyster aquaculture operations in Maryland in the short term — more if we can expand the market for Maryland oysters,” explained the Governor.

In January Governor O’Malley sponsored aquaculture legislation to streamline the regulatory process and open new areas to leasing to promote growth of that industry, lessen pressure on wild oysters and provide alternative economic opportunities for watermen. This legislation was developed with broad stakeholder involvement and passed overwhelmingly in the General Assembly this year. Aquaculture is now the predominant means of shellfish harvesting around the world.

“Maryland is the steward of the Chesapeake Bay and we need to continue to act to protect our State’s crown jewel,” said Speaker Michael E. Busch. “The Governor and the General Assembly have taken substantial steps to protect the Chesapeake Bay and this is another important way to return the Bay to its full prosperity.”

Since 1994, the Chesapeake Bay’s oyster population has languished at one percent of historic levels; quality oyster bars have decreased 70% from 200,000 to 36,000 (70% decrease) and the number of harvesters has dwindled from 2,000 in the mid 1980s to just over 500 annually since 2002. Today there are only eight oyster processing companies in Maryland, down from 58 in 1974.

The plan is built on the findings of a six-year Environmental Impact Study of oyster restoration options, and the work of the Oyster Advisory Commission and the Aquaculture Coordinating Council.

“The plan takes major steps in the right direction of rebuilding the native oyster populations, restoring the ecological benefits of their reefs, and transitioning economic production to aquaculture,” said Dr. Donald Boesch, President of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science and a member of the Oyster Advisory Commission said. As such, it is consistent with the consensus of university scientists, as well as the Advisory Commission that large sanctuary areas and improved opportunities for privatized oyster production are required.”

“Today’s announcement is taking a significant step forward to dramatically enhance our oyster population. Not unlike the 40 stakeholder groups who participated in the 1993 Oyster Roundtable, many of these same groups will need to work together again to establish and successfully implement a balanced strategy to return the oyster to its economic, ecologic and cultural importance to Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay,” said Ken Binnix, founding chairman and current Board of Directors member of the now 15-year-old Oyster Recovery Partnership, the facilitating organization for oyster restoration in Maryland

“Today’s announcement launches an extensive public outreach process designed to give all stakeholders as well as the general public ample opportunity understand and offer input on this proposal before February, when our plan will be proposed in regulation,” said DNR Secretary John Griffin.

“When the Governor visited us last year he readily understood the benefits that shellfish aquaculture brings to economic growth and employment while aiding the environment through bio-filtration and nutrient transfer,” said Steve Gordon, operator of Gordon’s Shellfish in Snow Hill. “We’ve seen shellfish aquaculture growing across the country. Maryland has good growing areas, access to markets and now, strong support from the highest levels of government.”

“If we are ever to achieve our goal for a revitalized oyster population we must act now, and science tells us that this is the best way to begin rebuilding a sustainable, robust population,’’ said Governor O’Malley. “With the continued leadership of Senator Barbara Mikulski and our Congressional Delegation, as well as our State Legislature — who together have been instrumental in securing federal blue crab disaster funds and state capital funds — we will change the future for our native oyster and the Chesapeake Bay.”

The proposal and additional information are available online at www.dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries.

source: DNR press release

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) announced support for Maryland’s new oyster restoration plan, calling it a strong first step towards significantly increasing oyster numbers in the Chesapeake Bay.

The plan proposes a new approach for managing this critical resource for all of its different values. The plan would create big oyster reefs in certain areas of the Bay that can not be harvested (sanctuary reefs), increase job opportunities in oyster farming in separate areas, and retain some reefs for watermen to harvest wild oysters. Included in the plan is a significant increase in the area of productive oyster beds to be set aside as sanctuaries. An increase in the acreage of sanctuaries will provide more habitat for fish, help water quality, and provide protected populations of oysters.

“Our native oyster is part of the public trust, and we have a clear and urgent responsibility to restore this iconic species to the Chesapeake Bay,” said Governor O’Malley. “Today marks a critical next step in our efforts to rebuild the population for ecological and economic benefits. By some projections, today’s actions could contribute as much as $25 million to Maryland’s economy and create over 200 jobs.”

“The Governor recognizes that we need to give more attention to restoring oysters to save the Bay ecology. That’s a huge shift.  But he also understands the economic needs of Marylanders who work on the water. The plan helps create an aquaculture-based oyster industry in the state, and also allows for some traditional harvesting, said Mark Bryer, director of TNC’s Chesapeake Program

“Governor O’Malley is proposing to do for oysters what he did for blue crabs.  Bravo. This plan will bring more oysters to the Bay.  That will be good for the ecology and good for the economy.  Oyster lovers will benefit and more jobs in the seafood industry will be created.  What a win for everyone,” said Will Baker, president of CBF.

Currently, many productive oyster beds in the Chesapeake Bay are planted specifically for fishermen to harvest. That practice not only slowed the restoration of once-thriving oyster numbers in the Bay, but also failed to revive the previously profitable oyster industry. In other regions the industry has become profitable by farming oysters—using cages, bags, and racks for raising hatchery-produced oyster seed. Maryland’s new plan aims to help watermen transition to farming oysters rather than harvesting wild oysters.

In recent years science has concluded that larger, interconnected oyster sanctuaries rather than flat beds are better able to thrive despite disease and other stresses. The new plan would mean concentrating sanctuaries in a few rivers and areas, rather than scattering them, and building sanctuary oyster reefs higher, which may make them better able to persist in the face of degraded water quality.

Setting aside, restoring and protecting productive bars is in the public interest, as unspoiled oyster reefs serve important ecological functions that benefit everyone.  Oysters are pollution vacuum cleaners – a single oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water a day.   And the reefs that oysters form provide essential habitat for commercially and recreationally important fish.

Recently as little as four percent of productive oyster bottom is protected from harvest; the Governor’s proposal sets aside 24 percent of the Bay bottom that currently is, or can be, a productive oyster habitat as an oyster sanctuary area. These sanctuary areas have been identified scientifically to ensure a high degree of success for oyster growth. The U.S. Army Corps has estimated about 36,000 acres of productive bottom exists in the Maryland portion of the Bay.

CBF and TNC believe this proposal to set aside 24 percent of oyster reefs should be considered a minimum step towards successful oyster restoration in the Chesapeake Bay.

The plan also proposes to substantially reduce illegal harvesting of oysters, which to date has been a significant challenge in restoring the Bay’s oysters.  The Governor’s plan proposes to curb poaching by concentrating sanctuary reefs, making them easier to patrol, and by using improved monitoring technology.

The state proposal closely follows recommendations to improve oyster restoration made last February by the Oyster Advisory Commission. The 21-member Commission of scientists, watermen, anglers, businessmen, economists, environmental advocates, and elected officials was appointed by Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary John Griffin in September 2007

The plan proposes to remove many of the obstacles to oyster farming in Maryland. It lays out strategies for leasing Bay bottom to watermen or other commercial interests, and to expediting permits. In addition to recommendations made by the Oyster Advisory Commission, the plan closely follows aquaculture legislation passed this past spring in the Maryland General Assembly.

CBF is actively involved in oyster restoration, with its state-of-the-art restoration vessel the Patricia Campbell and its Oyster Recovery Center in Southern Anne Arundel County.

TNC is working in partnership with CBF on oyster restoration in the Chesapeake Bay, and also recently released a report assessing the health of shellfish reefs worldwide.

source: CBF press release

A new analysis of the nutrient trading program contained in the proposed federal Chesapeake Clean Water Act has determined that Maryland farmers could be paid as much as $85 million annually to reduce nitrogen pollution, creating jobs and bolstering the agricultural economy. The analysis by the World Resources Institute (WRI), an international leader in market based environmental programs, found that water quality trading could potentially double conservation funding compared to what is currently available in the federal Farm Bill.

“The Chesapeake Clean Water Act puts farmers squarely in the driver’s seat – directing significant public and private market dollars to farmers to address the problems,” said CBF President Will Baker.  “Even without this legislation pollution from all sources, including agriculture, will have to be reduced. Working against the legislation is short sighted and not in the best interest of farming’s future.”

Water quality trading for nutrients, or “nutrient trading,” makes it possible to achieve reductions more efficiently and at a lower cost, and offers a new revenue source for those able to sell “nutrient credits.” The trading program works like this, once a farm has implemented baseline pollution controls the farmer is eligible to sell credits for additional pollution reduction. Since reducing pollution from agriculture is the most cost effective way to reduce pollution, farmers will be able to sell the credits, for example to a municipality, for significantly less than that local government would pay to reduce a pound of pollution from stormwater.

“WRI works to identify cost-effective ways to achieve environmental goals, and our analysis supports the concept that there is a significant market for nutrient trading in the region,” said WRI President Jonathan Lash. “The creation of a market for nutrient reductions would allow farmers to earn a reasonable return for making choices that benefit the Bay and its millions of users.”

“We all are responsible for the Bay’s poor condition, and we all must take responsibility for its revival – including farmers. This legislation has the provisions, including funding and accountability, to ensure we have profitable farms and a restored Chesapeake Bay. Because we believe you can’t have one without the other.” said Kim Coble, Maryland executive director for CBF.

The trading provision of the proposed federal legislation and the federal Farm Bill are just two components of federal strategies that will benefit the agricultural community.  The Chesapeake Clean Water Act also includes no less than $96 million, and possibly substantially more, for technical assistance to farmers, as well as $75 million for a new “Stewardship Grants” program to fund pollution reduction activities.

“The technical assistance the proposed legislation will provide is critical, and has been lacking for many years,” said Chesapeake Bay Commission Executive Director Ann Swanson. “This bill will provide funding for state and local governments, colleges, soil conservation districts and others to advise and assist farmers in developing and maintaining conservation practices.”

Large agricultural interests including the Maryland Farm Bureau have expressed opposition to the Chesapeake Clean Water Act currently being considered by Congress. While they cite concerns that the pending legislation will force farmers out of business, the legislation does not mandate regulation, but sets scientifically-based standards for pollution reduction and gives the states flexibility in how to achieve them, along with consequences for failure.