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Committee leans toward two‑year rotation in Great Wicomico and keeps Blackberry areas under review
Summary
SMAC members reported good spat sets and growth in the Great Wicomico and Blackberry areas and generally supported returning to a two‑year rotation this season, while asking staff to monitor outcomes over multiple seasons before committing to longer‑term changes.
Committee members discussed the Great Wicomico and Blackberry areas and generally supported a return to a two‑year rotation for 2025–26, citing improved spat sets, strong growth and relatively modest fishing pressure in the upriver reaches.
Speakers said oysters in the Great Wicomico looked ‘‘phenomenal’’ this season and that boats reported steady, if not large, daily harvests. A number of committee members urged caution about changing the management plan too quickly, recommending the committee try the two‑year rotation for multiple seasons before considering broader three‑year schemes.
Staff said they will continue surveys and provide data on market density and effort trends to the committee so SMAC can track whether the rotation maintains growth and market oyster supply.
Ending: committee consensus favored a conservative approach—returning to the two‑year rotation for the coming season while requesting ongoing monitoring before any further changes.
