Last year, Maryland's Oyster Advisory Commission explored whether some oyster sanctuaries could be opened to period harvesting. DNR studies had shown that oyster populations had rebounded within protected areas over the past five years and could potentially withstand occasional harvesting.
DNR staff presented a draft plan that would declassify all or portions of seven of the state's 51 oyster sanctuaries. The plan also called for the creation of three new protected areas and the expansion of four existing ones. Proposals from county watermen's committees and environmental groups were taken into consideration.
But the plan was met with skepticism by environmentalists. Now that the bill has passed (by a veto-proof margin), it could become law without Governor Hogan's signature. It is set to take effect in June.
Wednesday, March 29, 2017 - 14:02
The Maryland General Assembly has approved a bill that prohibits any changes to oyster sanctuary boundaries in the Chesapeake Bay until an assessment of the state's oyster population can be completed. The House of Delegates approved the bill 102-39 on March 16 and the senate passed it this week, 32-14.
Last year, Maryland's Oyster Advisory Commission explored whether some oyster sanctuaries could be opened to period harvesting. DNR studies had shown that oyster populations had rebounded within protected areas over the past five years and could potentially withstand occasional harvesting.
DNR staff presented a draft plan that would declassify all or portions of seven of the state's 51 oyster sanctuaries. The plan also called for the creation of three new protected areas and the expansion of four existing ones. Proposals from county watermen's committees and environmental groups were taken into consideration.
But the plan was met with skepticism by environmentalists. Now that the bill has passed (by a veto-proof margin), it could become law without Governor Hogan's signature. It is set to take effect in June.
Last year, Maryland's Oyster Advisory Commission explored whether some oyster sanctuaries could be opened to period harvesting. DNR studies had shown that oyster populations had rebounded within protected areas over the past five years and could potentially withstand occasional harvesting.
DNR staff presented a draft plan that would declassify all or portions of seven of the state's 51 oyster sanctuaries. The plan also called for the creation of three new protected areas and the expansion of four existing ones. Proposals from county watermen's committees and environmental groups were taken into consideration.
But the plan was met with skepticism by environmentalists. Now that the bill has passed (by a veto-proof margin), it could become law without Governor Hogan's signature. It is set to take effect in June.