Contact Fisheries
The Department will review and consider lease applications in the waters of the Atlantic Coastal Bays, Assawoman, Isle of Wight, Sinepuxent, Newport, and Chincoteague Bays and their tributaries, that meet applicable water quality requirements for shellfish cultivation as determined by the Maryland Department of the Environment. Leases will not be considered within submerged aquatic vegetation or the boundaries of the Assateague Island National Seashore.
The Department has established 2 pre-approved leasing areas in the Coastal Bays. These areas, South Point Shoal and Whale Gizzard Shoal, have been prescreened for leasing conflicts. Therefore, the application process for these areas is shorter than for an area outside of the pre-approved leasing area.
Q: How does a Pre-approved area in the Coastal Bays differ from an AEZ in the Chesapeake?
A: The Chesapeake AEZ allows for leasing both the bottom and the water column. The Coastal Bays Pre-approved areas only permit bottom leasing.
Q: How may I harvest the shellfish on my lease?
A: A person may harvest shellfish planted on leased areas using any method deemed appropriate (In the Coastal Bays, hydraulic escalator dredges are prohibited).
Q: Can I use bags or nets to grow shellfish in the Coastal Bays?
A: The law allows the use of "temporary protective enclosures" approved by the Department on the surface of the submerged land. The leaseholder should make sure to have the appropriate state and federal permits if necessary.
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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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