Draft Oyster Management Plan Open for Comment

Public Input Accepted Through March 19

Photo by William Whaley

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting public comment on a draft Maryland Oyster Management Plan, the first updated fishery management plan since 2010 for one of the Chesapeake Bay’s most ecologically- and economically-important natural resources. The public comment period will continue until March 19.

The updated plan incorporates the results of the department’s 2018 stock assessment.

“The work leading to this initial draft has been developed in consultation with scientists, academics, and a variety of stakeholders, including the environmental community and commercial watermen,” Department of Natural Resources Acting Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio said. “We welcome input from the public as we work through the process of finalizing the plan.”

In addition to feedback from the public, the plan will be reviewed by the Oyster Advisory Commission, Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission, Tidal Fisheries Advisory Commission and Aquaculture Coordinating Council. A final draft plan is expected to be approved in late spring.

Public comments can be submitted to fisheriespubliccomment.dnr@maryland.gov.