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The Department of Natural Resources (DNR)) regulates on-bottom commercial shellfish aquaculture and permitting for those engaged in aquaculture. This section of the website contains resources to help individuals or business persons wishing to apply for submerged land leases and other permits associated with aquaculture in Maryland.
DNR only issues on-bottom submerged land leases and leases in the aquaculture enterprise zones, and Coastal Bays preapproved areas. For more information on off-bottom float and cage aquaculture, please visit: http://www.marylandseafood.org/aquaculture/
Submerged land lease: A non-refundable $300 Application fee is due when the application is submitted. AEZ lease: A non-refundable $150 Application fee is due when the application is submitted.
Submerged land lease outside of an AEZ: $3.50 per acre per year due January 1 of each year Water Column/Off-Bottom lease in AEZ: $40 per acre per year due January 1 of each year Submerged land lease within an AEZ: $3.50 per acre per year due January 1 of each year
Demonstration leases are submerged land leases, no more than 5 acres in size, issued for the purpose of demonstrating the ecological benefits of growing shellfish or for research or education.
Demonstration leases may only be issued to a public high school, an incorporated college, or university within the state, a 4-H club, or a nonstick, nonprofit corporation organized under the laws of the State. Harvest is prohibited from demonstrative leases
Application forms for demonstration will be posted here when they become available.
DNR only issues on-bottom submerged land leases and leases in the aquaculture enterprise zones, and Coastal Bays preapproved areas. For more information on off-bottom shellfish float and cage aquaculture, please visit: http://www.marylandseafood.org/aquaculture/
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DNR to Hold St Mary’s River Oyster Leasing Public Meeting | (11/29/2012) The Maryland Department of Natural Resource (DNR) will hold a public meeting to discuss adding criteria to regulated oyster aquaculture inside of the St. Mary’s River Oyster Sancturary on December 6 from 3 to 7 p.m. It is the Department’s view that a regulate... |
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Governor Martin O'Malley Announces Maryland Native Oyster Survival Rate Highest Since 1985 | (2/13/2012) Governor proposes $8 million capital investment for oyster restoration Oyster disease levels lowest on record Governor Martin O'Malley today announced another landmark in the State's ongoing efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay's native oyster populati... |
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Governor Martin O'Malley Announces Streamlined Aquaculture Permitting | (8/15/2011) Army Corps of Engineers Expedites Approval ProcessGovernor Martin O’Malley today announced a new streamlined and centralized aquaculture permitting process for Marylanders interested in growing oysters and other shellfish in Maryland waters. Thanks to a realig... |
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DNR Announces Aquaculture Opportunities in Sanctuaries | (7/22/2011) New Leases will Help Foster Aquaculture and Develop Productive BottomThe Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Aquaculture Division will begin accepting limited applications for new aquaculture leases within oyster sanctuaries on August 1, 2011. The G... |
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Governor O'Malley Signs New Laws To Protect Maryalnd's Fisheries and Encourage Aquaculture | (05/19/2011) Governor Martin O’Malley today signed into law legislation to protect Maryland’s fisheries and encourage shellfish aquaculture. The legislation, supported by scientists, watermen, fishing and environmental organizations, is designed to deter harmful fishing a... |
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