Chesapeake Bay News

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has set the dates, times and locations for four public regulatory hearings as part of the implementation of Maryland’s Oyster Restoration and Aquaculture Plan.

In January 2009, Governor O’Malley sponsored legislation to promote oyster restoration and aquaculture in Maryland by streamlining the regulatory process, expanding oyster sanctuaries in the Bay and opening areas to aquaculture to reduce the pressure on wild oysters and to provide alternative economic opportunities for Maryland watermen. The legislation passed overwhelmingly in the General Assembly.

“Since Governor O’Malley 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.”

The Chesapeake Bay’s oyster population has languished at one percent of historic levels since 1994, quality oyster bars have decreased by 80 percent 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.

These public events will feature an overview of the proposed regulations by DNR staff followed by opportunities for individual comments. Comments may also be submitted online at fisheriespubliccomment@dnr.state.md.us or by mail to:

MD-DNR Fisheries Service
Oyster Recovery
Tawes State Office Bldg
580 Taylor Ave. B-2
Annapolis, MD 21401

The public hearings are scheduled as follows:

* July 7, 6:00 p.m., Anne Arundel Community College, Pascal Center for the Performing Arts, 101 College Parkway, Arnold, MD 21012
* July 13, 6:00 p.m., Leonardtown High School Auditorium, 23995 Point Lookout Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650
* July 22, 6:00 p.m., Salisbury University, Caruthers Hall Auditorium, 1101 Camden Avenue, Salisbury, MD 21801
* August 5, 6:00 p.m., Chesapeake College, Todd Performing Arts Center, Route 50 and Route 213, Wye Mills, MD 21679

To view the full Oyster Restoration and Aquaculture Plan, go to www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/oysters/pdfs/OysterOpenHouseFINAL2a.pdf

A concise overview of the proposed regulations is located at www.dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/oysters/OysterRestoration&AquacultureDevelopmentProposedRegulationsFactsheet.pdf

source: MD DNR

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Artificial Reef Initiative joined Anne Arundel County officials and representatives of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Coastal Conservation Association, Pasadena Sport Fishing Group, and the students from Chesapeake Middle School kickoff the first deployment of artificial reef material around the Downs Park Fishing Pier.

Students of Chesapeake Middle School will be making reef balls to improve conditions for fish, oysters, and the community, with the help of DNR Fisheries and the Maryland Artificial Reef Initiative (MARI) partners. Their plan included the Downs Park Pier as a suitable site.

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

A proposed oyster sanctuary in the upper St. Mary’s River is at the center of one of the hottest debates around the Chesapeake Bay.

The Oyster Recovery and Aquaculture Development Plan was announced last December by Governor Martin O’Malley, and since has been a subject of great debate.

Now that the 2010 Maryland General Assembly has ended, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is expected to issue maps of the proposed sanctuaries and rules for the operation and maintenance of the sanctuaries, leaseholds, and aquaculture areas.

Watermen are concerned that they will not be able to make a living on any less bottom than they are currently allowed to harvest, and environmentalists believe that the oyster population is at a historically low level and that a network of sanctuaries throughout the Bay is the only hope for their recovery.

“There is no question that the St. Mary’s River is in decline. Nutrient pollution continues to increase every year. Dead zones return every summer to the river’s deeper waters,” said Joe Anderson, president of the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association.

Oysters are filter feeders and can remove the pollutants from the water column and place them into the bottom sediments. Without these excess nutrients, oxygen levels will remain stable and life will return to the deep areas of the river.

“We all know that the oyster is key to the health of the St. Mary’s River. Long ago, oysters filtered all of the river’s water every day. If Captain John Smith visited the St. Mary’s, he would have written in his journal about the clarity of the water and the richness of the resource,” Anderson continued.

Is an oyster sanctuary in the upper St. Mary’s River a good idea? Why pick the St. Mary’s? These questions and others will be answered Saturday May 22 by John Griffin, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

His talk will headline the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association’s annual meeting at 4 PM at the Muldoon River Center on the campus of St. Mary’s College of Maryland. This event is free and the public is invited to attend.

For more information, go to http://www.SMRWA.org or email info@stmarysriver.org

source: www.SMRWA.org

Maryland Oyster partners have announced the start of the 2010 oyster planting season and the Marylanders Grow Oyster Program. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) and the non-profit Oyster Recovery Partnership (ORP) launched the season together, planting the first of 10.3 million oyster spat on the State’s Bank protected sanctuary bar in the Upper Choptank River.

According to MD-DNR, Oyster reefs are critical to the Bay’s recovery. Healthy oyster reefs filter water, provide crucial substrate for underwater communities and support for fish and crabs. The Oyster Recovery Partnership’s field operation transports hundreds of millions of hatchery-raised, spat-on-shell oysters produced at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) Horn Point Laboratory and plants them on hundreds of acres of pre-selected and prepared oyster reefs around Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay.

“Without oysters, our Bay’s health and the marine life that relies on these vital reefs will not improve,” said Stephan Abel, Executive Director for the Oyster Recovery Partnership. “This gives us renewed enthusiasm each planting season knowing we are making a positive impact.”

The oyster restoration process involves several steps to produce oyster larvae which are nurtured until they are ready to attach themselves to shell. The resulting spat are allowed to set on aged, cleaned oyster shells which is provided by ORP.

The resulting spat on shell are then planted on pretreated restoration sites throughout the Bay by the Oyster Recovery Partnership, and monitored by the University of Maryland and DNR for growth and health. Restoration sites are selected by DNR through a consensus-based coalition that includes ORP, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), UMCES, the Maryland Waterman’s Association and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

The Oyster Recovery Partnership launched Maryland’s first Oyster Shell Recycling Alliance in Baltimore, MD together with more than 20 restaurants, catering companies and seafood wholesalers, the regional oyster shucking community and volunteers. The Alliance will focus on collecting used oyster and clam shells from restaurants and caterers in the Baltimore/Annapolis/Washington, DC metro area.

Oyster shell is a limited resource which provides crucial natural habitat for new oysters in the Chesapeake Bay. Shells are used exclusively by the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Horn Point hatchery for its oyster setting process.

Local oyster shuckers, watermen and Oyster Recovery Partnership staff are conducting ongoing pickups delivered to three dumpsters in the region. The shell are then transported via Oyster Recovery Partnership vehicles and deposited to the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) Horn Point Lab Hatchery in Cambridge, MD for aging. About one year after collection, the hatchery attaches small oysters (“spat”) to the shells and they are replanted into the Bay on strategically-designated areas by the Oyster Recovery Partnership in cooperation with our many partners including the UMCES, Department of Natural Resources (DNR), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Army Corp of Engineers, University of Maryland, Maryland Watermen Association and Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

Over the last 18 months, the pilot program collected more than 3,000 bushels or 1.5 million shells from local catering companies and on-call pickups. The successful pilot immediately attracted 20 high-profile restaurants and caterers who are now official Alliance partners. The goal is to expand the collection points across Maryland and Washington, DC. It is estimated that approximately 15 million new oysters planted be planted back into the Chesapeake Bay as a result of this initiative thus far.

“We believe we can collect about 5,000 bushels in our first Alliance year, enough shell to provide substrate for 25 million spat on shell,” said Vernon Johnson, a nationally-recognized oyster shucking competitor and Alliance volunteer. “Whether it’s one oyster or one million, every oyster shell makes a difference.”

The Alliance’s 2010 Season is sponsored by a generous donation by Maryland citizen Doug Legum and matching grant funds provided by DNR and NOAA. Oyster Recovery Partnership is currently seeking a 2011 Season sponsor.

Only a handful of other States currently have shell collection programs, including South Carolina and New Hampshire. Each state has customized their shell collection process to take advantage of the local oyster consumption habits. In the case of Maryland, a majority of shells are generated from catered events like Bull and Oyster Roasts.

Over the last century, the Chesapeake Bay has seen a dramatic decline of its native oyster population. A healthy oyster reef not only filters the Bay’s dirty waters, but also provides crucial habitat for an underwater community that furnishes valuable life support for blue crabs and fish. According officials ORP processed, cleaned and transported 60,000 bushels of shell in 2009 that was in turn used to plant more than 650 million baby oysters back to the Bay.

Alliance Partners

Annapolis

Boatyard Bar & Grill
Middleton’s Tavern
Federal House
Rams Head Tavern
McGarvey’s Saloon

Baltimore

Atlantic Catering
McCormick & Schmick
Bob’s Seafood
Michael’s Eight Avenue
Café Hon
Oceanaire
Harbor Court Hotel
Ocean Pride
Nicks Cross Street
Phillips Seafood
Nick’s Fish House
Ryleighs
Mama’s on the Half Shell
Woodberry Kitchen

Grasonville

W.H. Harris Seafood

D.C.

Old Ebbitt Grill

Oyster shells are collected into 5 gallon containers with lids. Full containers, free of trash, should be assessable for easy pick-up. ORP requests a weekly minimum of 5 containers to be a participant for regular pickup. Individual citizen participation is also encouraged. There are several places in Maryland to drop used oyster shell.

Visit www.oysterrecovery.org to learn more.  Anyone interested in participating can sign up on the ORP website or contact Bryan Gomes on 410.990.4970.

source: ORP press release

On March 11, 2010, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley requested $87 million in federal funding to support the State’s natural resources during his annual federal priorities presentation to the Maryland Congressional Delegation on Capitol Hill.

The Governor’s requests included more than $30 million for Bay restoration efforts, part of a Maryland plan to meet its nutrient reduction goals by 2020. The plan includes funding for habitat and water quality monitoring and assessment, Bay grass restoration, expanding operations at the Cooperative Oxford Lab, and clean marinas.

“This funding is nothing less than preventative health care for the Chesapeake Bay and our economy.” said Kim Coble, Maryland Director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. “It will help implement important Bay restoration actions and create jobs. This funding makes economic and environmental sense.”

Other Chesapeake Bay-related projects included in the federal priorities are:

- $10 million to implement the Anacostia Watershed Restoration Plan, a public-private partnership.

- Nearly $7.5 million to support Maryland’s vulnerable coastal communities, including funding for beach replenishment and shoreline protection along Ocean City, Assateague Island and Smith Island.

- $5 million to support Maryland’s Oyster Restoration and Aquaculture Redevelopment Plan, including funding for stock assessments and habitat evaluation.

- $3.5 million in grants to the Natural Resources Police that will support boating safety education and will greatly enhance the State’s ability to enforce maritime and conservation laws – including the illegal harvest of oysters, crabs and striped bass.

The balance of the Governor’s request — approximately $16.5 million — wil go towards programs including: expanded recreational opportunities and boating access; wildlife management, invasive species eradication and hunting safety; urban, community and private landowner forestry programs; and fires assistance programs.

“During his first year in office, President Obama has made restoration of the Chesapeake Bay and protection of our environment a priority. We are very optimistic about the support of his Administration for these priorities,” added Governor O’Malley.

Nearly 1,000 interested citizens have taken the time to review and comment on Maryland’s Oyster Restoration and Aquaculture Development plan since Maryland announced the new proposal in December. About half of those who provided input did so at four open houses hosted by Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Fisheries Service during the month of January.

“The open houses were an integral part of our public process,” said DNR Secretary John Griffin. “Hundreds of Marylanders took the opportunity to learn about the plan, talk directly to managers, give suggestions and voice their opinions – and every single comment is being reviewed.”

Participants in the outreach sessions included watermen concerned about a change in regulations, participants in Maryland’s citizen oyster-growing program that are eager to improve the oyster population. people interested in learning more about aquaculture opportunities, and Marylanders who would like to see the sanctuary network expanded further than the plan proposes.

“While the overwhelming majority of comments have been supportive of the plan, we are reviewing all public input, and are also actively working with stakeholders from the industry, sport fishing and environmental communities. We entered the process with a willingness to consider modifications to the proposal if the changes mitigate concerns and still achieve the Department’s objectives,” said DNR Fisheries Service Director Tom O’Connell.

DNR has extended the schedule to allow adequate review of public comments, and currently plans to submit the Governor’s regulatory proposal in March. A final round of public hearings will occur in April and May. After considering all public comments, DNR will then adopt a final version of the proposed restoration and aquaculture development plan. If adopted, the regulation could be effective as soon as June 28, 2010.

As proposed, the plan will: increase Maryland’s network of oyster sanctuaries — from 9 percent to 24 percent of remaining quality habitat; increase areas open to leasing for oyster aquaculture and streamline the permitting process; and maintain 76 percent of the Bay’s remaining quality oyster habitat for a more targeted, sustainable, and scientifically managed public oyster fishery.

Since 1994, the Chesapeake Bay oyster population has languished at 1 percent of historic levels. Over the past 25 years, the amount of suitable oyster habitat has declined by 80 percent—from 200,000 acres to just 36,000 acres. Maryland’s annual oyster harvest has fallen from an average of 2.5 million bushels in the late 1960s to about 100,000 bushels a year since 2002, while the number of oystermen working Maryland’s portion of the Bay has dwindled from more than 2000 to just 550.

“Throughout this process, our goal and the goal of Governor O’Malley has been to protect jobs today while creating a more sustainable and growing future, both for oysters and our struggling industry,” said Secretary Griffin. “This is why the plan maintains significant opportunities to harvest wild oysters while also helping to stabilize and revive oyster populations, and provide a bridge for watermen interested in new aquaculture opportunities.”

To mitigate short-term economic impacts to the industry, DNR is developing watermen work programs to facilitate restoration efforts. Funding for these efforts comes from $15 million of federal blue crab fishery disaster money and state capital funds, received in response to a request from Governor O’Malley and former Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, and advocacy by the Maryland Congressional Delegation. Watermen will be assisting the Department in rehabilitating oyster bar habitat and retrieving ghost (abandoned) crab pots this winter.

Aquaculture is now the predominant means of shellfish harvesting around the world; next door in Virginia it is already a $30 million business. University of Maryland economists estimate that over the next several years, our oyster aquaculture plan could create 225 full-time equivalent jobs and generate $25 million in annual economic impact.

Public comments by email or regular mail can be submitted to:

fisheriespubliccomment@dnr.state.md.us

Fisheries Service
Attn: Oyster Open House
Tawes State Office Building
580 Taylor Ave
Annapolis, MD 21401

The full open house poster presentation is available at: http://dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/oysters/pdfs/OysterOpenHouseFINAL2a.pdf.

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