Did you know that you can harvest fresh Maryland oysters right from the Chesapeake Bay in time for Thanksgiving dinner? It’s true; the recreational oyster harvest season is now underway and Maryland residents can harvest up to one bushel of oysters a day each day now through March 31, 2017.

“The Chesapeake Bay is a treasure trove of riches, accessible to all,” said Fishing and Boating Services Director David Blazer. “Through recreational harvesting one can gain important insight into one of the bay’s most iconic species, the oyster, and experience how and where oysters live and their economic and ecologic importance.”

Recreational oystering doesn’t require a state license or permit as long as the harvested oysters are for personal (noncommercial) use and meet the minimum size requirement of 3 inches from hinge to bill. The oysters must be culled on the bar where they were caught and all undersized oysters and shell material must be returned to the bar.

Recreational harvest may occur on the following days/times by diving, hand, rake or shaft tong:

• Monday–Friday: Sunrise through 3 p.m.
• Saturday: Sunrise through noon

For the health and safety as well as for the protection of Maryland’s oysters, recreational oystering should only be done in approved and open shellfish areas and cannot take place within leased aquaculture, harvest reserve or sanctuary areas.

The Maryland Department of Environment is responsible for regulating shellfish harvesting areas and classifies approved, conditional or restricted areas. For more information, please visit the department’s website or call 800-541-1210.