Oyster Restoration Projected To Significantly Boost Bay Grasses While Removing Nitrogen Pollution from the Bay

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On Friday, Aug. 12, Dr. Carl Cerco, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Research and Development Center, presented a model illustrating that a 25-fold increase in Maryland’s oyster population would result in a 21 percent increase in Bay Grasses and removal of 11 million pounds of nitrogen annually from the Chesapeake Bay. The presentation on the ecosystem impact of a restored oyster population was the second in a series of outreach events on the Oyster Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). To view Dr. Cerco’s presentation or read the full press release, click here.

Press contact: Megan Arts Evans, 410-260-8016, marts@dnr.state.md.us

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August 15, 2005

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 446,000 acres of public lands and 18,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov