Chesapeake Bay News

LEADERS FROM MARYLAND’S academic, scientific, and public policy communities welcomed the Research Vessel Rachel Carson as the flagship of the Chesapeake Bay research fleet. The 81-foot, $4.6 million University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) research vessel expands scientists’ abilities to track the pulse of the Chesapeake Bay and pays homage to one of the nation’s environmental pioneers.

Christened by First Lady Katie O’Malley on November 16, 2008 at the Annapolis City Dock, the Rachel Carson is a state-of-the art research platform specifically tailored to the needs of Chesapeake Bay scientists. Designed from the ground-up, the ship is large enough to transport research teams up and down the Bay’s entire 184-mile length, yet runs shallow enough to allow scientists access to the smallest of critical Bay tributaries.

In addition to her shallow draft, the Rachel Carson is specifically designed to provide a solid foundation for decades of service to UMCES scientists. A state-of-the-art dynamic positioning system allows the vessel to “hover” motionless over one spot regardless of wind and current. A trio of powerful winches allows scientists to launch and retrieve multiple buoys and sampling devices over the side or stern. Built-in electronic sensors will continuously measure the Bay’s water quality, biology, and currents whether underway or on station.

The Rachel Carson is named in honor of the world-renowned marine biologist and nature writer who wrote her most influential books while a resident of Maryland. Carson wrote articles about the Chesapeake Bay and the best-seller, The Sea Around Us, which inspired a generation of marine scientists. Ms. Carson is best known for her book Silent Spring, which is credited as being a “wake-up call” for environmental concerns in the United States.

The vessel will replace the aging R/V Aquarius which has ably served Bay scientists since 1972. The Carson begins service in early 2009 and is stationed at the UMCES Chesapeake Biological Laboratory in Solomons. For more about how the ship was built and about the kinds of research at UMCES, visit www.umces.edu.

source: Chesapeake Quarterly – Maryland Sea Grant

Proposal Requires Complimentary Recreational Crabbing License; Sets Daily Female Blue Crab Bushel Limits & Seasonal Closures for Commercial Crabbers

Maryland Department of Natural Resources has proposed recreational and commercial blue crab harvest regulations for the 2009 season. Designed to help rebuild the Chesapeake Bay’s blue crab population and fishery, the proposed regulations continue the scientifically established conservation goals of reducing female blue crab harvest by 34 percent and ensuring that no more than 46 percent of the blue crab population is harvested annually.

“These regulations reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that Maryland’s iconic blue crab, and the local businesses and favorite family and community gatherings who rely upon it, continue for generations to come,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “From these regulations, we expect scientifically measurable benefits, and a more sustainable future for both blue crabs and watermen.  The environmental need for these regulations, combined with federal and state assistance for impacted watermen, provides the most sensible path to restore the Chesapeake’s blue crab population.”

The proposed regulations for the 2009 Chesapeake Bay commercial blue crab fishery include daily bushel limits for mature female hard crabs and seasonal closures.

“Recognizing the influence of harvest restrictions, we designed the 2009 regulations to make the impact more manageable and equitable throughout the bay and season, while still protecting the most reproductively valuable female blue crabs,” said DNR Secretary John R. Griffin. “We worked with watermen an other interested groups throughout the summer and fall of 2008 to develop next year’s regulations.”

The proposed regulations close the commercial season for harvesting mature female hard crabs from June 1 through June 15, Sept. 26 through Oct. 4, and Nov. 11 to Dec. 15, 2009.  Additionally, in order to protect blue crabs from overfishing, DNR proposes to limit excess harvest capacity by temporarily freezing unused licenses.  Limited Commercial Crabbing license holders (LCC’s) who did not harvest between 2004 and 2008 will be designated as inactive until the blue crab population recovers.

Female blue crab daily catch limits will be set by public notice after DNR receives results of the winter dredge survey in April.  These bushel limits will be based on a waterman’s license type.  If results from the 2009 blue crab winter dredge survey indicate a significant improvement in the bay’s blue crab population, DNR may consider liberalizing commercial bushel limits and season dates.  Likewise, if the survey indicates continued population decrease, further harvest restrictions would be necessary.

The proposed regulations require all recreational crabbers not currently licensed to register for a complimentary license from DNR online or at one of the DNR seven license service centers across the state.  Additionally, the prohibition on female blue crab harvest (except soft crabs) for recreational crabbers established in 2008 will remain in place.

“We need more precise, annual bay-wide recreational blue crab harvest information in order to better manage this fishery,” explained Tom O’Connell, Maryland Fisheries Service Director.  “By requiring that all recreational crabbers are either licensed or registered, we can increase the accuracy of our survey and more reliably obtain the information our biologists need.”

The current abundance of adult or reproductive-age blue crabs is 120 million crabs, only slightly above the established minimum safe threshold of 86 million reproductive-age crabs, is 70 percent lower than 1990 levels and well below the conservation target of 200 million crabs.

“Protecting female blue crabs offers the best opportunity for the quickest recovery,” continued Griffin. “We will continue to work with scientists, recreational crabbers, the commercial crab industry, conservationists, and local businesses to ensure a sustainable future for our blue crabs so that the species can continue to fulfill its ecological role within the Bay while also supporting the local economies that rely upon it.”

The proposed regulations will be published in the Maryland Register on Jan. 16, 2009.  DNR will hold a public hearing on the proposed regulations at 6 p.m. on Jan. 27 in the Queen Anne County Public Library – Kent Island Branch’s meeting room. Sign language interpreters and other appropriate accommodations for individuals will be provided upon request.  Public comments may also be submitted via mail to Sarah Widman, Fisheries Service, B-2, Tawes State Office Building, 580 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, Md. 21401, by calling 410-260-8260, by faxing to 410-260-8278 or emailing to fisheriespubliccomment@dnr.state.md.us.

Earlier this year, in response to a request from Governors O’Malley and Kaine, NOAA‘s National Marine Fisheries Service declared a federal fishery disaster for Chesapeake Bay watermen and women who rely on blue crabs.  The $10 million in federal funding accompanying the declaration will be used to help keep watermen working through habitat restoration projects, fishery monitoring and retraining for industry diversification into aquaculture opportunities.  In November, more than 100 watermen began oyster bar rehabilitation work in the Severn and Patuxent Rivers and Tangier Sound, as part of Governor O’Malley’s plan to keep watermen working.

Reducing female blue crab harvest is one of many actions taken by the O’Malley Administration to help restore the Chesapeake Bay.  Recent successes include strengthening the Critical Area Law to protect the most sensitive and significant shoreline habitats; implementing BayStat to more effectively target our resources and efforts; creating the Chesapeake Bay 2010 Trust Fund; and launching GreenPrint to help guide land conservation and growth. For more information about these smart, green, and growing initiatives visit www.green.maryland.gov.

Maryland’s blue crab season runs from April 1 to Dec. 15.  For more information about Maryland’s efforts to rebuild the Chesapeake Bay’s blue crab population and historic blue crab harvest data, visit http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/dnrnews/infocus/blue_crab.asp.  A detailed summary of the proposed regulations will be posted online at http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/regulations/proposedregulations.html.

On November 20th, Governor Martin O’Malley hosted the 2008 annual meeting of the Chesapeake Executive Council (EC) at Union Station in Washington, D.C., marking the 25th anniversary of the regional partnership.  The meeting resulted in several significant actions, including regional agreements to advance the production and use of biofuels and accelerate the pace of nutrient reductions.

“We are proud of the progress we have made through this partnership,” said Governor O’Malley, “Given the rate of decline of our Bay’s health, however, as well as the vulnerable status of iconic species like the blue crab and native oyster, we must continue to escalate our efforts to reduce nutrients as quickly as possible.”

Last year, the Council confirmed that the region would not meet the 2010 nutrient reduction goals set by the Chesapeake 2000 Agreement. This year the Council adopted a new strategy for establishing a deadline that involves moving the annual meeting to the spring, beginning in 2009, when the most current scientific information about pollution levels becomes available.  To focus attention on needed progress and allow for better tracking, more adaptability and accountability, the Council further agreed to establish specific milestones for restoration in two-year intervals next spring.

Joining Governor O’Malley for today’s work session were incoming Council Chair, Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine, Washington, DC Mayor Adrian Fenty, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Stephen L. Johnson, Chesapeake Bay Commission Chair and Pennsylvania House of Representatives Member Arthur Hershey, and representatives from Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“With the recent election of a new President and the 111th Congress comes the opportunity to seek a renewed federal commitment to protecting the nation’s largest estuary,” said Governor Kaine. “On behalf of the Bay States, Washington, DC and the Chesapeake Bay Commission, we will seek the support of President-elect Obama and our congressional leaders for changes to policy, legislation and funding that will accelerate restoration efforts.”

“We are grateful to Governor Kaine for his leadership on this issue, and I look forward to working with him and the Obama administration to identify new funding opportunities that will benefit not only the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed, but also water quality and natural resource improvement nationally,” added Governor O’Malley.

- At last year’s EC meeting, Council members embraced “champion roles” as a way to speed up restoration efforts; Maryland’s champion commitments include Accountability, Blue Crab restoration, Local Government Engagement and Innovative Technology.

- To increase accountability and effectiveness, Maryland led the effort this year to reorganize and streamline the Bay Program.  At the 2008 meeting the partners agreed to establish an independent evaluator – a team of world renowned scientists — to monitor performance, provide advice and hold the partners accountable.

- Governor O’Malley announced a new agreement between the Maryland Departments of Environment, Natural Resources and Transportation to apply the BayStat approach to employ a better model for using mitigation funds to accelerate Bay restoration and improve cost effectiveness.

- Through strong action and a historic collaboration with Virginia and the Potomac River Fisheries Commission, Maryland took significant steps this year toward rebuilding a sustainable blue crab fishery.  This included directing $3 million in State funding to mitigate the impact on watermen, and in partnership with Maryland’s Congressional delegation securing a federal fisheries disaster declaration which will result in up to $10 million in federal funds to support watermen to conduct environmental restoration work.

- Maryland efforts to improve service delivery and results, and engage local governments, citizens and businesses this year included creation of the 2010 Chesapeake and Coastal Bays Trust Fund development of the Watershed Assistance Collaborative, and the launch of the Maryland Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership.

- Governor O’Malley also announced Maryland’s first two investments in new technologies to reduce nutrient and sediment pollution:  A $100,000 grant to Zymetis, Inc., whose enabling enzyme technologies can be used to create biofuel ethanol from cellulosic biomass; and a $50,000 grant to Traffax Inc., for work on advanced solutions to traffic congestion.

The Executive Council states, the District of Columbia and the Chesapeake Bay Commission signed a Biofuels Executive Council Directive to make the region a national leader in advancing the expanded production and use of biofuels in a more sustainable way.  This directive, led by Pennsylvania and the Chesapeake Bay Commission, is another result of last year’s champion commitments.

The partnership also agreed to support the introduction of National Geographic’s FieldScope, a state-of-the-art web-based GIS tool designed to help students and citizens investigate water quality issues on local and regional scale.

Since taking office in January 2007, the O’Malley-Brown Administration has made steady progress to restore the health of the Bay including the creation of BayStat, an innovative tracking and targeting tool; creation of the Chesapeake Bay 2010 Trust Fund; passage landmark Clean Cars legislation; stringent power plant emission controls regulations; passage of new stormwater legislation; full funding of Program Open Space; update of the State’s Critical Areas Laws; creation of the Maryland Climate Change Commission; restoration of the Office of Smart Growth; and a leadership role in the creation of the first auction of greenhouse gas emission credits in America.

Governor O’Malley recently launched Smart, Green & Growing, a new initiative to inspire action among all Marylanders to create a cleaner, greener, more sustainable future for our State.  Maryland’s incarcerated  individuals are contributing to this effort as well by, working on Bay restoration projects and learning new skills.

“Our most important days are rarely the easiest ones.  Progress often comes in the form of two steps forward and one step back.  But it is progress nonetheless,” said Governor O’Malley.  “Coming together in partnership, we can find man-made solutions to the man-made problems of our Bay.”

The Chesapeake Bay watershed is home to more than 16 million people living in parts of Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. Since 1983, the Chesapeake Bay Program has coordinated the restoration of the Bay and its watershed.  The Executive Council, which establishes the policy direction for the restoration and protection of the Chesapeake Bay and its living resources, includes the Governors of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Mayor of the District of Columbia and the Chair of the Chesapeake Bay Commission.

For more information about the Chesapeake Bay Executive Council visit www.chesapeakebay.net.

DNR, ORP & Watermen Begin Work Rehabilitating Oyster Bars in Tangier Sound, Severn & Patuxent Rivers

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Oyster Recovery Partnership (ORP) expect to hire more than 520 watermen for oyster bar restoration work as part of Governor Martin O’Malley’s plan to help mitigate economic losses from the declined blue crab fishery, while also helping to restore the Chesapeake Bay.  An additional 84 watermen are expected to be hired for land-based work that will begin later this year.

“United with the Maryland Watermen’s Association and the Oyster Recovery Partnership, we’re keeping Maryland watermen working and protecting the viability of local businesses that rely on blue crabs, while giving the species time to rebuild,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Our State and federal government invested in work projects for watermen to help strengthen the industry for the future. The Chesapeake Bay also benefits from these projects that utilize watermen’s skills, gear and intimate knowledge of the Bay to help restore oyster bars, an important habitat for blue crabs.”

This week more than 100 watermen worked to recover and clean approximately 100 acres of oyster bars in Tangier Sound and the Patuxent and Severn Rivers.  Watermen used their boats and dredge equipment to remove silt and sediment from the tops of once historically healthy oyster bars in order to prepare them for a natural spat set and/or hatchery seed planting.

“This work really helped keep us in business and boost the local economy,” said Calvert County Waterman’s Association President Tommy Zinn, who led crews working in the Patuxent River this week. “This is a good program that’s helping the heart of crabbers.  The work that we are doing will hopefully help strengthen the industry down the road by improving our local oyster bars.”

Every year, the Chesapeake Bay loses 2,600 acres of hard bottom oyster habitat.  By the end of these projects watermen will have reclaimed shell on 1,000 acres of oyster reefs.

“This is a good project that helps put more oysters in the bay,” said JR Gross, owner of JVE Seafood and leader of crews working in the Severn River this week. “I’m proud to be a part of this project because it will really have a positive impact.  I’m very optimistic about this program and hope that we can expand it in the future.”

Earlier this year, the O’Malley-Brown Administration took historic action, in cooperation with Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine, to rebuild the Chesapeake Bay’s beleaguered blue crab population by reducing the harvest of ecologically valuable female blue crabs by 34 percent in 2008.  In September 2008, in response to a request from Governors O’Malley and Kaine, NOAA‘s National Marine Fisheries Service declared a federal fishery disaster for Chesapeake Bay watermen and women who have suffered economic hardships due to the extremely low and unstable blue crab population as well as the downturn in the national economy.

Earlier this week, Governor O’Malley thanked the leadership of Maryland’s Congressional Delegation for securing $10 million in federal fishery disaster funding for Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay blue crab industry.  These federal funds compliment the $3 million in capital funds set aside by the Governor and General Assembly to pay for the restoration work that started this week.

For more information about Maryland’s efforts to rebuild the Chesapeake Bay’s blue crab population visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/dnrnews/infocus/blue_crab.asp.

The Secretary of Maryland Department of Natural Resources, pursuant to Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 08.02.05.12E, announced the closure of the 2008 recreational fishery for summer flounder in all state waters effective 12:01 am October 24, 2008.

The National Marine Fisheries Service has estimated that Maryland’s 2008 recreational quota for summer flounder has been achieved.

The 2009 Maryland recreational fishery will open January 1, 2009 under
conditions outlined in COMAR 08.02.05.12.

Non-quota Management Approved for the First Time

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Striped Bass Management Board (ASMFC) approved Maryland’s request to extend the 2008 and 2009 recreational striped bass seasons. The decision also approved an alternative non-quota based management strategy for the fishery’s spring season. The ASMFC approved this strategy for the first time in 2008, but limited this only to the 2008 fishing season.

“Every year, hundreds of thousands of anglers take to the waters of the Chesapeake Bay in pursuit of Maryland’s favorite catch, striped bass,” said Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary John R. Griffin. “Extending the striped bass fishing seasons increases the opportunity for visiting and resident anglers to catch the big one and support local charter boat captains, fishing guides, tackle shops and other sportfishing related businesses.”

The ASMFC’s vote extended management of the Chesapeake Bay spring trophy striped bass fishery by creel, size and season limits for 2009 and subsequent years until stock assessment determines that corrective action is required for the coastal migratory striped bass population. Maryland regulations include an open season from the third Saturday of April to May 15 when anglers may take one striped bass sized 28-inches or greater; and an open season from May 16 to May 31 when anglers may take two-fish 18-inch or larger, only one of which may be 28 inches or greater. ASMFC also supported Maryland’s proposal to extend the closure date of Maryland’s 2008 recreational striped bass fishery 16 days, from December 15 to December 31.

“We can now offer greater predictability of the timing, creel and size limits for the upcoming striped bass season,” said Maryland Fisheries Service Director Tom O’Connell. “Previously, anglers and local businesses were unsure of the seasons’ details until just a few months before its opening.”

To ensure sustainable fisheries management, Maryland and Virginia will continue to estimate and report total spring migrant striped bass harvest to the ASMFC.

“We are very appreciative DNR’s efforts, particularly Tom O’Connell, who worked very hard to increase the opportunity for anglers and charter boat captains to enjoy Maryland’s spectacular striped bass fishing,“ said Ed O’Brien, Vice President of the Maryland Charter Boat Association.

The Chesapeake Bay spring trophy striped bass fishery is of significant socio-economic importance to Maryland’s charter boat industry and recreational fishermen. It was recently estimated that fishing trip expenditures associated with Maryland’s spring striped bass fishery is $10 million annually. More than 9,000 local jobs are supported annually through Maryland’s sportfishing industry. The importance of this fishery to the economic sustainability of Maryland’s charter boat industry has increased recently due to the negative impacts on the industry from the nation’s current economic situation.

Recognizing the challenges facing Maryland’s commercial fishing industry and the Chesapeake Bay’s blue crab population, earlier this year Governor Martin O’Malley worked with members of the General Assembly to secure $3 million in capital funding for projects to help mitigate watermen’s economic losses while also helping to restore the bay.

“Temporarily employing watermen for environmental restoration projects will help preserve Maryland’s fishing industry infrastructure while the Chesapeake Bay’s blue crab population is rebounding,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Utlizing their existing skills and equipment, watermen will help us improve more than 1,000 acres of oyster bars.”

The Maryland Watermen’s Association and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources collaboratively developed specific work projects designed to utilize the industry’s existing equipment and skill set. In addition to oyster bar rehabilitation projects, land-based job opportunities are also available in order to accommodate individuals who do not own boats and dredge gear.

“This is a win-win situation, that helps both the watermen and the Chesapeake Bay,” said Larry Simms, Maryland Watermen’s Association. “It’s great that the Governor worked with us to help some of this restoration work get done utilizing watermen manpower.”

Every year, the Chesapeake Bay loses 2,600 acres of hard bottom oyster habitat. Watermen and women with boats and dredge equipment will remove silt and sediment from the tops of once historically healthy oyster bars in order to prepare them for a natural spat set and/or hatchery seed planting. Restoration of state-managed oyster bars (sanctuaries and reserves) will begin in mid-November.

“Rehabilitating oyster bars is a multi-step process. Without natural shell to use as substrate, using watermen to remove sediment build-up from these relic oyster reefs is a needed and cost effective alternative,” said Stephan Abel, Executive Director of the Oyster Recovery Partnership, the non-profit organization that will coordinate the watermen and women’s work.

Maryland watermen interested in participating in water and land-based job opportunities must apply by Friday, Oct. 31. Interested watermen and women may obtain an application online at http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/oyster/ or by calling 866-952-3305. Initial selection preference will be given to qualified Maryland watermen who actively crabbed in 2008.

Earlier this year, the O’Malley/Brown Administration coordinated historic action with Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine to rebuild the Chesapeake Bay’s beleaguered blue crab population by reducing the harvest of ecologically valuable female blue crabs by 34 percent in 2008. After receiving a request from Governors O’Malley and Kaine, the U.S. Department of Commerce granted a disaster declaration for Chesapeake Bay watermen and women who have suffered economic hardships due to the low and unstable blue crab abundance. Maryland’s Congressional delegation, under the leadership of Senator Barbara Mikulski, worked to support the State’s request for the disaster declaration and ensure that funding in the consolidated federal appropriations package that became law on September 30, 2008. Release of these funds is anticipated through the U.S. Department of Commerce.

For more information about Maryland’s efforts to rebuild the Chesapeake Bay’s blue crab population visit http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/dnrnews/infocus/blue_crab.asp.

The following message from VMRC should be of interest to anyone that is in favor of restoring the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

We’re looking to form a flotilla one morning next month for an hour.

John M.R. Bull
Director of Public Relations
Virginia Marine Resources Commission
(757) 247-2269

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Welcomes Public Comments through Aug. 20 on Proposal

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites public comments on the recently proposed 2008-2009 late waterfowl hunting seasons.

“We are pleased to offer a variety of waterfowl hunting opportunities and continue the great tradition of wildfowling in the Chesapeake area,” said Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul A. Peditto. “Hunters will note several changes to the proposed waterfowl seasons this year. We look forward to public input on the proposals that ensure sustained waterfowl populations while allowing for use of this treasured natural resource.”

The proposed 2008-2009 duck season will be a 60-day season with a 6-duck daily bag limit. Species bag limits are based upon population status and spring breeding habitat and summer brood rearing conditions. This year, waterfowl managers proposed increasing the daily bag limit of wood ducks to three per day. A recent review of the biological data for this species indicates that the wood duck population can sustain some additional harvest pressure.

Conversely, the daily bag limit of scaup has been reduced to ensure harvest is compatible with population status. Although, scaup remain abundant, the population of lesser scaup has undergone a gradual decline as a result of several environmental factors that have contributed to lower survival and recruitment. The recently adopted scaup harvest strategy calls for a restrictive season in 2008, with a 1 scaup bag limit for 40 days of the 60-day regular duck season, and a 2 scaup limit during the remaining 20 days of the season.

There will be no open season on canvasback this year. The 2008 canvasback breeding population estimate decreased 44% from 2007, primarily the result of a 39% decline in pond numbers in Prairie Canada. Dry conditions exist throughout much of Prairie Canada and the north central U.S., thus the outlook for canvasback production is poor.

The 2008 spring breeding pair survey of Atlantic Population (migrant) Canada geese totaled 169,700 compared to 195,700 in 2007. Although the number of breeding pairs decreased, spring snow melt was normal over most of the major Atlantic Population (AP) breeding range. Favorable nesting conditions led to a strong nesting effort, and as a result, gosling production is expected to be good. The Atlantic Population Canada goose season will remain at 45 days with a daily bag limit of two geese.

The 2008-2009 proposed waterfowl hunting regulations also include changes to the regular Atlantic Flyway Resident Canada (AFRP) goose season. The season length for the AFRP Canada geese has been increased from 70 to 80 days and the closing federal framework date has been extended to March 10 to exert greater harvest pressure on this overabundant goose population. The proposed AFRP Canada goose season dates are Nov. 15 to Nov. 28 and Dec. 16 to Mar. 4. The daily bag limit is 5 geese per day. The AFRP Canada Goose Hunt Zone has also been modified to afford additional protection to migrant AP geese. Anne Arundel, Baltimore, and Howard Counties, and a portion of Carroll County will now be a part of the AP Hunt Zone.

Following a high mid-winter survey count of 161,000 Atlantic brant along the east coast, the proposed 2008 hunting regulations for Atlantic brant also have been liberalized to allow a 60-day season and a 3-bird daily bag limit.

For a table that lists all the proposed Maryland 2008-2009 late waterfowl hunting season dates and bag limits visit http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide/lwfchart.asp.

Public comments about the proposed waterfowl hunting season dates and bag limits may be submitted online at www.dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/lwfforum.asp, via fax at 410-260-8596, or over the phone by calling 410-260-8540.

On Monday, August 18, at 7 p.m., DNR will hold a public meeting to collect comments on the proposed regulations at Chesapeake College’s Amphitheater (Room H117) in the Kent Humanities Building in Wye Mills. Directions to the meeting are below.

FROM ANNAPOLIS AND POINTS WEST

Take Route 50 East to the traffic light at the intersection of Routes 50 and 213, and turn right on Route 213. The Chesapeake College entrance is on the right. Park in Lot E.

FROM SALISBURY AND POINTS EAST

Take Route 50 West to the traffic light at the intersection of Routes 50 and 213, and turn left on Route 213. The Chesapeake College entrance is on the right. Park in Lot E.

source: DNR press release

Virginia’s Biggest In-Water Boat Show Returns to Downtown Norfolk Waterfront September 12 – 14, 2008

NORFOLK, Va. – May 14, 2008 – The 4th annual Virginia In-Water Boat Expo and SAILFEST returns to the Downtown Norfolk waterfront, September 12-14, 2008. As the state’s largest in-water boating exhibition, this growing event caters to every boating enthusiast, who along with their friends and family can enjoy a wide selection of the newest boats and cutting edge marine products and accessories, all in one place for the best deals all year round.

This three-day boating spectacular will showcase hundreds of the latest in luxury and cruising yachts, sport fishers, bass boats, performance boats, personal water craft, sailboats, engines, and marine accessories. The Expo will also feature live entertainment nightly, interactive exhibits and a Discover Boating pavilion, where experts will be on-site to provide unbiased information for novice boating enthusiasts and the most experienced of boaters.

Hours are Friday, from noon to 8 p.m., Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $10.00 for adults and $8.00 for military personnel and their spouses. Children 15 and under are FREE. Tickets are good for same-day re-entry with display of wristband. Take advantage of the $2.00 per ticket discount through Thursday, September 11, when you purchase your ticket online at VirginiaBoatExpo.com.

For advance tickets and show information, visit www.VirginiaBoatExpo.com or call 757-441-2345.

Sponsors of the 2008 Virginia In-Water Boat Expo and SAILFEST include TowneBank, Jeep, Discover Boating, Boaters World Marine Center, Geico and the City of Norfolk.

The Virginia In-Water Boat Expo and Sailfest is co-produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Norfolk Festevents. NMMA is the world’s largest producer of boat shows and the leading association representing the $37.6 billion per year recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers in the U.S. For more information about the NMMA, visit www.NMMA.org. Norfolk Festevents, LTD is a private not-for-profit organization dedicated to producing premier concerts, festivals, ship visits and special events and city celebrations for residents and guests of Hampton Roads. Celebrating its 26th season, Norfolk Festevents has garnered international acclaim for its outstanding quality programming. Norfolk Festevents is the official event marketing and production agency for the City of Norfolk.