Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is moving forward with a two-week extension of the commercial oyster season to help watermen make up for lost harvesting opportunities after many waterways and parts of the Chesapeake Bay froze during frigid temperatures in January and early February.
The change will extend the state’s commercial oyster season to April 14 this year. It was originally scheduled to end on March 31. Under the extension, all current gear restrictions and bushel limits will remain in effect. Handscraping for oysters in hand tong areas is not permitted under the extension.
“Maryland’s watermen have faced a difficult oyster season after recent declines in market demand and ice on waterways blocked access to traditional harvest areas,” said DNR secretary Josh Kurtz. “This oyster season extension will give them additional opportunities to boost their livelihoods and the local communities where they live. DNR made this decision after extensive conversations with industry stakeholders and scientists. Coordinated oyster restoration and management efforts led by DNR have resulted in a multi-year increase of the overall oyster population in Maryland. We are confident that extending the season will not affect the ongoing resurgence of oysters in the Bay and local rivers.”
DNR is well aware of the ice impacts on Maryland waterways. Agency staff led ice-breaking operations on waterways using two different state vessels this winter to ensure navigation channels remained open and to help watermen access fishing grounds. Even with staff working around the clock to break ice, the frigid conditions led to waters quickly refreezing and kept many commercial fishing boats tied up at the dock and unable to harvest.
The extension will also support watermen during a difficult market for oysters. Despite wide availability of oysters in harvest areas, oyster sellers have not been buying as many oysters, according to reports from watermen.
Marylanders can help watermen and local communities that depend on commercial fishing by purchasing Maryland oysters at seafood markets and restaurants.