Maryland officials report record oyster biomass and expand restoration efforts in Chesapeake Bay

The Maryland General Assembly's Environmental and Natural Resources (ENT) Committee convened on February 14, 2025, to discuss significant updates regarding the state's oyster population and fisheries management. The meeting highlighted positive trends in oyster health and ongoing efforts to enhance aquaculture and manage invasive species.

The session began with an optimistic report on the oyster population in the Chesapeake Bay. Officials noted that the current oyster stock assessment indicates a consistent population, with disease levels lower than anticipated. This marks a significant improvement, as past years have seen disease outbreaks that negatively impacted oyster numbers. The biomass of oysters has been above the long-term average for seven consecutive years, and the SPAT index—an indicator of future oyster populations—remains 64% above the long-term median.

The committee also discussed the completion of the "Big 5" oyster sanctuaries and the identification of three additional areas for large-scale restoration: Herring Bay, Hooper Strait, and the Nanticoke River Sanctuary. Smaller restoration efforts are ongoing in various other sanctuaries. However, the health of these sanctuaries varies, prompting a reevaluation of management strategies.

Aquaculture was another focal point, with current production at 94,000 bushels, significantly lower than the potential target of hundreds of thousands of bushels. The committee emphasized the need to boost this sector, particularly within sanctuaries where aquaculture is permitted.

The discussion then shifted to blue crabs, managed in partnership with Virginia. The committee is currently working on a Chesapeake-based stock assessment, with updates expected in 2026-2027. This assessment will include new data on predation impacts, particularly from invasive species like blue catfish.

In freshwater fisheries, the committee highlighted the economic impact of trout fishing, which generates over $400 million annually in Maryland. The stock trout program alone contributes $27 million to the state's economy. The meeting also addressed the growing concern over invasive species, particularly blue catfish, and the establishment of an advisory committee to manage their population.

The session concluded with a focus on adapting to climate change, which is creating new fishing opportunities. The department is developing a climate-adapted fisheries process to better utilize emerging species and enhance commercial fishing activities.

Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of ongoing management and restoration efforts in Maryland's fisheries, with a clear commitment to adapting strategies in response to environmental changes and species dynamics.