Change Coming to Maryland’s Commercial Striped Bass Fishery
DNR Sets a May 10 Striped Bass Commercial Control Date for Quota Allocation
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Service is making a significant management change to the commercial Chesapeake Bay Striped Bass fishery. DNR is working to meet fishing industry goals, create a more sustainable system, increase accountability and make it easier for police to enforce the law. The system will also comply with new Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission requirements. These changes are the result of extensive meetings with the Tidal Fisheries Advisory Commission’s Striped Bass Industry Workgroup over the past 18 months. Read more 
DNR Releases 2013 Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Numbers
Spawning-age females increased substantially, but low reproduction means fewer crabs
Photo by Kim Cover
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today released the 2013 Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey numbers, showing mixed results. The number of spawning-age females increased substantially this year – by 52 percent − indicating that the current management framework to protect adult female crabs is working. However, poor reproduction in 2013 and what appears to be high mortality within the record 2012 year-class resulted in an overall decline in the Bay-wide population. Read more
Governor O’Malley Announces Improving Oyster Population and Reproduction
Survival Rate Highest Since 1985
DNR biologists surveying oysters
Governor Martin O’Malley today announced good news regarding the State’s ongoing efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay’s native oyster population. Results of Maryland’s 2012 Fall Oyster Survey show that oyster population and reproduction increased for the second consecutive year, and diseases, which decimated the oyster population in 2002, remained far below their long-term averages. Read more
DNR to Host Bounty of the Bay Dinner
This Dogfish Po’ boy is one of the many featured dishes.
From smoky plates of roasted oysters to baked rockfish filets, next week’s third annual Bounty of the Bay is sure to be a crowd pleaser, delighting diners’ taste buds with some of the best seafood in the nation. Hosted by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and The Rockfish restaurant, the dinner will include a raw bar and a five-course meal featuring local oysters, striped bass, dogfish and blue catfish. Tickets are limited, so those interested in attending are encouraged to register today. Read more
Governor O’Malley Names Larry Simns Admiral of the Chesapeake
Maryland Watermen’s Association founder celebrates 40 years of service
Simns speaking at the 2012 Juvenile Crab Population Announcement on April 19.
Governor Martin O’Malley has designated Larry Simns Admiral of the Chesapeake for his work as the chief advocate for Maryland’s watermen and their communities, and for his role in promoting changes to better ensure the sustainability of commercial fishing in the State. Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary John Griffin presented the award to Simns’ family, on January 18 at the 39th East Coast Commercial Fishermen’s and Aquaculture Trade Exposition in Ocean City. Read more
Baltimore Chef Wins National Oyster Cook-off
Winning Dish: Chesapeake Oyster Rockfish Ceviche and Cucumber Granita
Josean Rosado, executive chef of the Harbor Court Hotel in Baltimore, took top honors in the National Oyster Cook-off, held on October 20 in Leonardtown. Rosado’s Chesapeake Oyster Rockfish Ceviche and Cucumber Granita, took first place in the main dish category and won the overall grand prize. Read more
Maryland Seafood Launches Website
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries marketing program has launched the official Maryland Seafood website, which not only showcases the Chesapeake Bay’s delicious bounty, but the rich legacy that has evolved from its harvest and enjoyment.
“Maryland is legendary for its delicious blue crab, rockfish and oyster,” said DNR Fisheries Marketing Director Steve Vilnit. “This new website is a place where everyone can go to delight in all things Maryland seafood ─ from innovative recipes to the latest news and events.”
DNR Snakehead Clarifies Snakehead Drawing
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) would like to clarify the rules and prizes for the Second Annual Snakehead Contest. There are no cash rewards for catching and killing a snakehead. DNR will draw three names at random from the list of anglers who submit a photo of their snakehead catch to the DNR Anglers Log.
