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2013 Maryland Fishing Guide

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Recent History of Shellfish Aquaculture Development in Maryland
  • In 2004 the oyster Environmental Impact Statement was initiated to evaluate oyster restoration and industry revitalization alternatives.
  • In 2007 the Oyster Advisory Commission found that the greatest opportunity for expanding the economic production of oysters in Maryland is through privatization and aquaculture.
  • In September 2008, the Maryland Shellfish Aquaculture Plan was developed and published through the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) in consultation with the MD DNR, Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH), Maryland Aquaculture Coordinating Council, and the Board of Public Works.
  • Recommendations from this plan and the Oyster Advisory Commission about how to develop a sustainable shellfish industry while creating opportunity for prospective aquaculture shellfish growers in Maryland waters were implemented into Senate Bill 271/House Bill 312. This bill passed both the houses unanimously and was made into law on March 24, 2009.
  • The law outlines the requirements for prospective and current shellfish leaseholders.

    • Based on the new laws and associated regulations, DNR began accepting applications for commercial shellfish aquaculture bottom leases on September 7th, 2010.

    Oyster Gardening Registration

    Oyster gardeners and growers are now required to register with the Department of Natural Resources. The registration process begins February 1, 2013 and can be completed using an online form. Details regarding this registration requirement are available in a Fact Sheet on Oyster Gardening.

    Oyster Aquaculture Video
    Video highlighting Governor Martin O'Malley's Oyster Restoration and Aquaculture Development Plan, including subsidized MARBIDCO loans.


    Committees
    Additional Web Resources
  • MD SeaGrant - Maryland Oyster Aquaculture History & Policy - "Stabilizing Oyster Grounds"
  • East Coast Shellfish Growers Association
  • International Shellfish Sanitation Conference - Maryland Contacts
  • International Shellfish Sanitation Conference, National Shellfish Sanitation Program information
  • International Shellfish Sanitation Conference, National Shellfish Sanitation Program, Model Ordinance
  • University of Maryland Extension Aquaculture Information
  • Maryland Department of the Environment Shellfish Harvesting Areas
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Aquaculture Information
  • Leasing and Restoration of Submerged Lands - Nature Article
    • Latest Shellfish Aquaculture News
    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...
    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...
    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...
    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...
    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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