On June 1, 2009, new laws became effective in Maryland that require action on the part of all existing shellfish leaseholders. Failure to comply with the new requirements set out in the amended laws will result in the termination of leases.

The new laws require all new and existing leaseholders to actively use their leases for commercial purposes, to pay an annual rent and submit a report to the Department at the end of each year documenting the use of their lease for that year. These new laws can be found in the Maryland Code Annotated, Natural Resources Article, Sections 4-11A-01 et al., and on the Department of Natural Resources’ website, at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/oysters/index.asp.

A mailing went out to all leaseholders including a letter and a document that needs to be returned to the Department. If you are a current shellfish leaseholder and have not received this letter from the Department, please contact Katie Busch at DNR’s Shellfish Program at 410-260-8342 to obtain a copy of the letter.

John R. Griffin
Secretary
Maryland Department of Natural Resources