Maryland SB875 establishes a five-year pilot program for rotational oyster harvesting in designated areas of the Chesapeake Bay.

Maryland SB875 creates a five-year pilot program for rotational oyster harvesting in specific areas of the Chesapeake Bay, including the Lower Choptank River, Lower Main Stem Chesapeake Bay, Herring Bay, and Lower Chester River. The Department of Natural Resources will manage the program, deciding which oyster bars to open or reopen each season. The Department must survey and monitor these areas for water quality, habitat quality, and other relevant factors before and after opening them to harvesting. Oyster harvesters must replace oyster shells where they were caught.

Maryland SB875 establishes a five-year pilot program for rotational oyster harvesting in designated areas of the Chesapeake Bay.

Maryland SB875 creates a five-year pilot program for rotational oyster harvesting in specific areas of the Chesapeake Bay, including the Lower Choptank River, Lower Main Stem Chesapeake Bay, Herring Bay, and Lower Chester River. The Department of Natural Resources will manage the program, deciding which oyster bars to open or reopen each season. The Department must survey and monitor these areas for water quality, habitat quality, and other relevant factors before and after opening them to harvesting. Oyster harvesters must replace oyster shells where they were caught.