Maryland Establishes Coastal Bays Aquaculture Development Workgroup

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ANNAPOLIS — Today, Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary John R. Griffin announced the formation of Maryland’s new Coastal Bays Aquaculture Development Workgroup. The ten-member group, tasked with developing recommendations to address the issues and opportunities associated with aquaculture in Maryland’s coastal bays, will hold its second public meeting on Monday, June 16 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Wor-Wic Community College’s Student Center in Salisbury.

“Across the state we have seen a renewed interest in shellfish aquaculture,” said DNR Secretary John R. Griffin. “We now have a timely opportunity to develop new local businesses that can utilize renewable natural resources to create sustainable economic benefits. Aquaculture has the potential to provide ecological advantages to the bays, while also seeking to minimize other user conflicts.”

The workgroup’s efforts will focus on:

• Identify the major obstacles to aquaculture operations in the Coastal Bays;
• Identify opportunities to support aquaculture; and
• Developing strategies to minimize user conflicts.

“The individuals appointed to the workgroup bring a broad spectrum of scientific knowledge, history, and personal connection to the bays, and I look forward to receiving their recommendations,” added Griffin.

Coastal Bays Aquaculture Development Workgroup Membership
David Barnes, Maryland Waterfowler’s Association
Delegate Jeannie Haddaway, District 37B
Budd Heim, Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen’s Association
Delegate Jim Mathias, District 38B
Jim Perdue, Lease Holder
Kathy Phillips, Assateague Coastal Trust
Rick Savage, Commercial Fisherman
Virlgil Shockley, Worchester County Commissioner
Don Webster, University of Maryland Wye Research & Education Center
Dave Wilson, Maryland Coastal Bays Program

Recommendations by the workgroup may ultimately lead to policy changes that impact coastal bays shoreline property owners. All meetings are open and Worchester County citizens are encouraged to attend. For more information visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/coastal/mtgs/aquaculture/aquaculturewg.html.

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June 16, 2008

Contact: Olivia Campbell 410-260-8016 office I 410-507-7525 cell ocampbell@dnr.state.md.us

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 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 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 12 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