Chesapeake Bay News

Kim Coble, Maryland Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF), has issued the following statement regarding the final Maryland Watershed Implementation Plan:

“CBF has completed a preliminary review of Maryland’s plan. We commend the state for providing additional details and timelines, and for the hard work of staff. But the state has not completed the job, yet.

“We applaud concrete steps in the plan to reduce pollution from suburban lawns, to hold wastewater treatment plants accountable for reducing nitrogen pollution, and toward improvements in phosphorous management on farms.

“But we remain concerned that the plan falls short of providing reasonable assurance the state can meet its goals, including goals to reduce pollution from agriculture and from stormwater. The state appears to have postponed difficult decisions and actions pertaining to these and other areas.

“A strong plan to clean our creeks, rivers, and the Bay could create potentially thousands of jobs for Marylanders. But thousands could lose their jobs, especially in the seafood industry, if Maryland falters, and our water remains fouled by pollution.

“Recent surveys show the public’s strong feelings that Bay states must abide by the Clean Water Act and act forcefully to Save the Bay. We hope Maryland will work with the Environmental Protection Agency to satisfy that desire.”

source: CBF press release

On October 22, 2010, NOAA and local partners celebrated the opening of 20 miles of stream habitat along the Patapsco River in Maryland and its tributaries. According to NOAA the action is a critical step towards restoring the Patapsco River. The breaching of the Simkins Dam was funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“Breaching the Simkins Dam brings us closer to returning this portion of the Patapsco River to a thriving, free-flowing river,” said Eric Schwaab, NOAA assistant administrator for NOAA’s Fisheries Service. “And it’s terrific that while we are restoring habitat, we are also working to restore our economy through the jobs created in this effort.”

Removing the dam will enhance the health of the river by allowing the natural transport of sediment, restoring 20 miles of spawning habitat for migratory fish—including American eel and alewife—and other species, and creating a safer recreation area.  The dam removal will also increase safety for swimmers and kayakers.

The Patapsco River Restoration Project received $4 million last year funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment to remove both the Simkins and Union dams. NOAA, American Rivers, Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Friends of the Patapsco Valley State Park have worked more than 36 months to implement this project and develop partnerships for future dam removals in the watershed.

“The removal of Simpkins Dam to restore the Patapsco River is a historic milestone for Maryland,” said Rebecca Wodder, President of American Rivers. “A healthier river will enhance the economy, local community and the Chesapeake Bay. American Rivers is proud to have partnered with private industry, government and other nonprofit organizations on this landmark restoration project. Rivers are remarkably resilient and we are all excited to see the Patapsco River restored.”

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. Through the Recovery Act, NOAA was provided $167 million for marine and coastal habitat restoration.

When all the planned projects are complete, 8,700 acres of habitat will be restored, and fish will gain access to 700 stream miles that had been blocked by obsolete and unsafe dams. The projects also will remove more than 850 metric tons of abandoned fishing gear and other marine trash, rebuild oyster and other shellfish habitat and reduce threats to 11,750 acres of coral reef habitat. This will benefit salmon, migratory birds, turtles and a variety of threatened and endangered fish and wildlife species.

source: NOAA press release

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Clean Marina Program has certified Shamrock Marine at Pinehurst Landing Marina as the state’s 116th Clean Marina. Together with 25 smaller facilities designated as Clean Marina Partners, Maryland now boasts 141 certified facilities.

Pinehurst Landing Marina houses Shamrock Marine, which provides a full range of yacht repairs including engine and hull repairs. The marina also rents about 20 slips on Bodkin Creek, just north of Gibson Island. Owners Michael and Joanne Hohn purchased the property in 2005 and have cleaned up years of debris and improved overall organization of the business.

As part of the Clean Marina certification, the Hohns created up-to-date emergency response plans, organized the liquid waste from engine repairs (e.g., oil, gas, antifreeze) and instituted proper handling and recycling of these fluids. Just as importantly, they have also begun education and outreach to their customers so they can participate in keeping the marina and the waters clean.

“We feel like getting certified was the natural outcome of us cleaning up the property and improving things,” said Michael Hohn. “It’s nice to get recognized for doing the right thing.”

The Clean Marina Program is a voluntary program for marine facilities that want to reduce their impact on Maryland’s waterways by implementing “best management practices” outlined in the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook. Certification also includes passing a site inspection by DNR staff for the initial certification, and again every three years to maintain certification. Approximately 23 percent of marinas in the state are now certified Clean Marinas.

source: MD DNR

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now accepting applications for new aquaculture permits under new oyster leasing regulations. DNR will also be announcing its overall oyster management budget including a package of technical and financial opportunities for aquaculture ventures later this month to help accelerate the growth of this industry in Maryland and create new jobs.

Regulations to implement the State’s new Oyster Restoration and Aquaculture Development Plan became effective on September 6.  The regulations identify thousands of new acres open to leasing for aquaculture; establish a new application process and rules for aquaculture; identify areas off limits to leasing to support a continued public oyster fishery; and identify the State’s new network of oyster sanctuaries, which are expanding from 9% of the Bay’s remaining oyster bars to 25%, including some of the most productive bottom.

The plan was reviewed through a public process that included more than 150 meetings.  Numerous adjustments to the initial proposal were made to accommodate the concerns of affected stakeholders, including commercial watermen, members of the aquaculture industry, recreational fishermen, the environmental community, Marylanders Grow Oyster participants and other interested citizens.

“The newly adopted plan is very reasonable given the status of the Bay’s oyster population and interests of all of Maryland’s oyster stakeholders,” said Secretary John Griffin, “However, I have offered the commercial oyster industry one last opportunity to propose changes that meet our objectives for oyster restoration and aquaculture development, are based on industry consensus, and honor the supportive comments of our many other stakeholders.” The majority of affected counties submitted proposals by the September 2, 2010 deadline and they are currently under consideration.

Since 1994, the Chesapeake Bay’s oyster population has languished at 1 percent of historic levels; the amount of oyster bars has decreased 80% from 200,000 to 36,000 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.

Stakeholders can View the new sanctuaries and leasing areas at www.dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries.

Information on the leasing application process is available at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/news/story.asp?story_id=88

source: MD DNR

Bill Heisterhagan of Easton, Md. has caught the first possible $25,000 Diamond Jim winner and fourth tagged rockfish of the 2010 Maryland Fishing Challenge.

Heisterhagan was fishing with his longtime fishing partner George Fink off the mouth of the Miles River in Talbot County, when a 19½-inch striped bass came to the side of the boat on the evening of August 27.

The Diamond Jim component of the Fishing Challenge started June 1 and ends Labor Day, September 6. Throughout the summer, three batches of specially tagged striped bass – each including that month’s authentic Diamond Jim and as many as 200 imposters worth $500 – were released into the waters of the Chesapeake Bay.

So far, anglers have caught three tagged imposters. DNR Fisheries Service biologists certified Heisterhagan’s catch and confirmed that this could be the winning Diamond Jim. Heisterhagen will find out if he walks away with $25,000 when he opens a sealed envelope bearing the tag number of the fish he caught at the Maryland Fishing Challenge Finale at Sandy Point State Park on September 11.

“Fishing is something I’ve enjoyed since I was young,” said Heisterhagen. “My father passed away a few years ago and we enjoyed fresh-water fishing together. It’s a great pastime; it’s a great leisure time. It’s what I do to get away from the office.”

The Maryland Fishing Challenge, featuring Diamond Jim is a free, year-round tournament sponsored by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Service, 27 recreational fishing organizations and generous sponsors across the State. The purpose of the event is to promote Maryland’s excellent fishing opportunities and the importance of exposing children to nature as an essential key to future environmental stewardship.

The 2010 Maryland Fishing Challenge ends at midnight on Labor Day with an awards celebration at Sandy Point State Park the following weekend. The Fishing Challenge Finale will be held at the 43rd Annual Maryland Seafood Festival on September 11, 2010.

Qualified anglers are eligible for grand prizes including a Tracker boat package from Bass Pro Shops Arundel Mills and a 7-day dream excursion to the island of Tobago courtesy of the World Fishing Network. Other prizes include thousands of dollars in fishing gear, merchandise from Under Armor and kayaks from Kent Island Kayaks and Bass Pro Shops Arundel Mills.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced the launch of its updated Online Boating Access Guide. The web-based guide provides the location of public boating access sites across the state, as well as site-specific details on amenities, parking, directions, and fees. The new site is located at www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/boatramps.asp

“The previously offered data were out of date, and boaters told us they needed more information,” said Lisa Gutierrez, DNR’s Division Director of Boating Services who oversaw the project. “In addition, we wanted to reflect the growing number of non-motorized recreational boaters who wanted information on soft launch sites.”

DNR’s Boating Services Unit worked for almost two years to produce new maps and collect data from local, state and federal partners for the updated site. Boaters planning to use launch sites are encouraged to check the website before planning a trip.

While DNR provides the maps, most boat ramps are operated by county departments of parks and recreation. Contact information for these offices is provided on the new website and boaters should contact the counties for information on parking, fees, and permits, which vary.

“This new guide will help supply boaters all over Maryland, and beyond, with the information they need to access and experience Maryland’s waterways and the Chesapeake Bay,” said Bob Gaudette, DNR’s Director of Boating Services.

For more information visit www.dnr.state.md.us/boating

In July, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) formally dedicated the Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park. Attending the ceremony were members of the Burton family, DNR Deputy Secretary Joe Gill, representatives of the Fisheries Service, Maryland Park Service and other invited guests.

The park is now officially dedicated to Bill Burton, an outdoors reporter, writer and fisherman who chronicled outdoor activities in Maryland for over half a century.

At the dedication ceremony, members of Bill’s family including his wife, Lois, and daughter, Heather, each spoke about his lasting legacy and dedication to Maryland’s many natural resources.

The Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park is a fitting tribute to Bill’s life and work, as he was instrumental in preserving the Choptank River Bridge for use as a fishing pier when the new bridge was constructed.

The park is a destination fishing spot for anglers and a popular access point for many working families of Maryland because of the variety of fish that can be caught there, including perch, striped bass, hardheads, sea trout and catfish.

The dedication took place nearly one year to the date from when the Board of Public Works approved the renaming of the Choptank River fishing piers in Talbot and Dorchester counties on July 22, 2009. Sadly, less than a month after the renaming, Bill passed away at age 82 on August 10, 2009.

“Bill is an iconic figure in Maryland’s outdoor history, having reported for over 50 years on outdoor opportunities for Maryland citizens,” said DNR Secretary John Griffin. “The Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park is a wonderful tribute to a man who spent his life’s work sharing information about the bountiful natural resources our state has to offer.”

Portions of the Bill Burton Fishing Pier were closed for several months to replace over 700 broken, cracked and hazardous handrails with new concrete rails. During this time, the Maryland Park Service also upgraded park benches and picnic tables. The Dorchester section of the pier was closed first and reopened, and then the Talbot section of the Pier was closed and reopened Friday for fishing and crabbing.

The Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park is now open 365 days per year, 24 hours per day. Both sections of the piers are lighted for night fishing from April 1 through December 31 and the Dorchester County side of the pier is open and lighted year round. The pier adjoins Sailwinds Park via the walkway under the bridge.

Source: MD DNR press release

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and the Marine Trades Association of Maryland will hold a forum July 8 in Annapolis to offer an opportunity to learn more about the new General Discharge Permit for Boat and Vessel Maintenance. The forum is intended for operators of facilities that perform or allow boat repair.

MDE is reviewing appropriate changes to the General Permit for Discharges for Marinas. Changes to the permit address and update requirements related to bottom paints and wash water. Maryland’s waters must be protected from toxicity that could compromise aquatic life and public health now and in the future.

DNR’s Clean Marina Program and the Marine Trades Association of Maryland are assisting in the process by providing technical expertise and experience, and will provide ongoing compliance assistance.

Attendees will learn about the active ingredients in bottom paints from several paint representatives as well as how marina discharges are handled in other states. This forum is not a “public hearing” as no draft determination of the permit has been proposed for public comment. Rather, the forum is a chance to hear why changes are being discussed and to get industry suggestions to best meet new water quality standards.

The forum will run from 1:00 to 4:00p.m. July 8 in the meeting hall of the Calvary Methodist Church on at 301 Rowe Boulevard in Annapolis. There is no cost and operators of businesses that conduct—or allow—boat repair work on site are strongly encouraged to attend.

To register contact the Marine Trades Association of Maryland at susan@mtam.org or by calling 410-269-0741.

For more information on Maryland’s Clean Marina Program visit:

www.dnr.maryland.gov/boating/cleanmarina

source: MD DNR

On May 21, 2010, Governor Martin O’Malley, stakeholders, fishery managers and scientists returned to the Annapolis Maritime Museum to announce the submission of new regulations that will clear the way for implementation of the State’s proposed Oyster Restoration and Aquaculture Development Plan.

Governor O’Malley announced the State’s plan to expand oyster sanctuaries and aquaculture leasing areas for their ecological and economic benefits at the site of Annapolis’ last shellfish packing business in December.

“Today we are on the verge of making history, as we stand on the threshold of implementing a plan that was called for by the very first oyster advisory commission in the 1800s, but was never achieved,” said Governor O’Malley.  “After decades of doing the same thing year after year, the citizens of Maryland are becoming united in the view that we need to change course and take bold action to rebuild our oyster population — both for their ecological values and for the jobs and economic impact that an expanded aquaculture industry will provide for Maryland families for generations to come.”

The submission of regulations to the General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review (AELR) is the next critical step in Maryland’s efforts to restore the Bay’s native oyster, build a robust and sustainable aquaculture industry and maintain a better managed public fishery.

As proposed, the regulations will:

§ Significantly increase the State’s network of oyster sanctuaries from 9% to 25%. They will be greater in number, larger in size, easier to enforce and established in the most appropriate areas based on scientific advice.

§ Identify 600,000 acres open to leasing for oyster aquaculture.

§ Identify areas off limits to leasing, allowing for continued support of a more targeted, sustainable, scientifically managed public oyster fishery.

The regulations will be published in the Maryland register July 2, which will begin a 6-week public comment and hearing period. If approved, the regulations will become effective in early September, prior to the October 1 start of oyster season.
“Since the Governor announced this groundbreaking proposal in December, we have worked diligently with legislators, local elected officials and all of our stakeholders — including members of the oyster industry, aquaculture interests, scientists, environmentalists, sport fishermen and citizens,” said DNR Secretary John Griffin. “This unprecedented public process resulted in more than 150 meetings, during which we made numerous adjustments to our proposal to address the concerns of our watermen while maintaining the integrity of the Governor’s plan.

“Once approved, these regulations will put into place our expanded sanctuary network and change existing regulations to encourage development of aquaculture in Maryland –- and the hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars it will eventually bring to our State,” said Governor O’Malley.  “Maryland watermen will have an opportunity to significantly expand their incomes while continuing to work a more scientifically managed public fishery.”

Today’s announcement was commended by the Federal government, environmentalists, scientists, aquaculture interests, anglers and citizen oyster growers.

“Chesapeake Bay oysters are both a foundation of a healthy bay ecosystem and an important economic resource for local communities around the Bay,” said NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco.  “Restoring oysters requires innovative thinking, ecosystem-based planning and collaborative action.  I want to applaud Governor O’Malley, his staff at the Department of Natural Resources and others across the Bay region for this action and look forward to helping in its implementation.”

“The Oyster Restoration and Aquaculture Development Plan is based on a solid scientific foundation in setting a long-needed, new course to rebuild and manage Maryland’s native oyster populations,” said University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science President Dr. Donald Boesch. “It also advances economic production through aquaculture, bringing us more in line with virtually all other economically viable oyster-growing regions in the world.”

“These regulations give us the tools we need to streamline the Aquaculture Industry in Maryland, making us one of the most progressive states in the nation,” said Don Webster, Extension Specialist with the University of Maryland and former Chair of the Aquaculture Coordinating Council.  “Expanding oysters through innovative management and partnerships under the new State plan will provide important economic, employment and environmental benefits.”

“The Governor’s plan to increase sanctuary reefs and promote aquaculture will set us on a course to dramatically increase the oyster population. In doing so, we will see both ecological and economic benefits – something that is long over due,” said Chesapeake Bay Foundation President William C Baker. “History has shown that strong science-based regulations are essential – just consider the restoration of the rockfish population and the dramatic increase in the blue crab population.  CBF thanks Governor O’Malley for his leadership.”

While declines in our oyster populations are not solely the result of a failure to embrace aquaculture, economic contributions to the traditional industry have not created a stable fishery.  In fact, these contributions, which once produced a net economic benefit of $146 million over 10 years, are now projected to produce a net economic loss of $64 million over the same period.

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.

Based on last season’s harvest reports, it is estimated the new sanctuaries will reduce the public oyster fishery by 10 to 15 percent, a gross economic impact of approximately $350,000 to $500,000.

Maryland’s Oyster Restoration and Aquaculture Development 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.

In January 2009, 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.

A summary of the proposed regulations can be found at www.dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries.

source: DNR press release

Maryland has announced the launch of StreamHealth, a website to help Marylanders learn about the health of their streams and take action to improve them. The site provides resources for citizens, grassroots organizations, schools and scout groups to survey their streams, and receive technical guidance and funding opportunities to restore and protect them.

The project was developed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, in cooperation with the Maryland Environmental Service, Towson University, and the Maryland Departments of the Environment and Information Technology.

Among the tools are an interactive map which provides information on individual stream health as well as the presence or absence of forested streamside buffers and impervious surfaces — two of the major factors influencing stream health.

“The health of the Bay is ultimately determined by what we do on the land — in our cities and towns, on our farms and forests, in our schools and backyards,” said Governor O’Malley.  “Through this website we are providing information that is real to people because they can see the status of the streams in their neighborhoods –- our lifelines to the Bay.”

Maryland’s governor also encouraged citizens to join the Stream Waders program, the volunteer arm of the Maryland Biological Stream Survey, an internationally acclaimed assessment program that provides data for the StreamHealth website as well as the Chesapeake Bay Health Report Card.