Photo by Robert Diller | www.cbf.org
Restoration efforts coupled with conservative management are working. Chesapeake Bay Foundation supports staying the course while highlighting areas still in need of conservation.
Maryland 2025 - After Maryland’s oyster population nearly tripled over the past 20 years, Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced it will maintain its current regulations for the 2025 to 2026 oyster harvest season.
This includes maintaining daily bushel limits, number of harvest days per week, and limited harvest closures in the Chester River. DNR cited these strategies as key contributing factors to the significant increase in oyster numbers. Ensuring continued responsible management of oyster harvest will help sustain momentum for the comeback of Maryland’s oysters alongside continued robust restoration efforts.
Maryland is expected to reach its goal to fully restore oyster habitat in five Chesapeake Bay tributaries by the close of 2025. Now at a critical juncture, the state must continue building on that success through additional oyster restoration investments and responsible management of the oyster fishery.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Maryland Executive Director, Allison Colden, issued the following statement:
“Our effort to bring oysters back from the brink in Chesapeake Bay is working, but continued recovery is not guaranteed. That's why we support DNR’s decision to maintain its current harvest regulations for this season.
“However, oyster recovery is not uniform throughout the Bay. The latest oyster stock assessment indicates that more than 80 percent of oyster harvest comes from only eight harvest areas, and that four of those have been subject to unsustainable harvest rates for four years or more. We urge DNR to consider a delayed or staggered opening of these areas to reduce the overall fishing effort contributing to high harvest rates.
“Oyster sanctuaries are likely significantly contributing to the overall abundance of oysters in Maryland. The Choptank River region, which contains three targeted restoration tributaries, has the highest abundance of oysters in Maryland. As we strategize on what oyster restoration looks like beyond 2025, we should build on that proven success throughout more Maryland rivers.
“Oysters are a bedrock of our Chesapeake Bay ecosystem and economy. Protecting this vital resource, and reversing decades of overharvesting, disease impacts, and loss of habitat will require a long-term strategy and redoubled commitment. We commend DNR for staying the course and encourage further proactive management to protect Maryland’s oyster resource and those who depend on it.”
Valerie DiMarzio | Maryland Communications & Media Relations Manager, CBF | vdimarzio@cbf.org | 443-482-2023
