Governor O'Malley Announces Maryland’s Oyster Restoration and Aquaculture Development Draft Plan
Governor O’Malley announced Maryland’s Oyster Restoration and Aquaculture Development Draft Plan. The plan is built upon the findings of a six-year federal and bi-state Environmental Impact Study of oyster restoration options, the shellfish aquaculture legislation (HB 312/SB 271) enacted by the General Assembly with overwhelming support last session, and the work and recommendations of both the Oyster Advisory Commission and the Aquaculture Coordinating Council. The proposed plan could contribute as much as $25 million to Maryland’s economy and create more than 200 permanent jobs.
Important new legislative reforms were passed to support Maryland aquaculture jobs and the health of our oyster population. The Fisheries Service is announcing an initiative that will help Marylanders restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay, bring back our native oyster, create jobs, and create economic activity in the state. To do this, DNR is taking three bold steps: increase the number, size, and quality of the networked oyster sanctuaries, open up additional areas available to lease for oyster aquaculture and continue to maintain substantial areas still open to the public fishery by keeping these areas off-limits to leasing. With Governor O’Malley’s support, and through leadership provided by Senator Mikulski and our congressional delegation, DNR has already targeted significant financial resources to implement these initiatives.
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Click here to learn more about the shellfish program.
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