ANNAPOLIS - The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will begin taking limited applications for aquaculture leases within oyster sanctuaries Aug. 1.
The Maryland General Assembly last session passed legislation that expanded aquaculture opportunities into sanctuaries. That move followed Gov. Martin O'Malley's Oyster Restoration and Aquaculture Development plan that increased the number of sanctuaries in the state.
"By expanding aquaculture opportunities we are taking innovative steps toward reviving our native oyster population," O'Malley said. "Through a combination of sanctuaries, aquaculture and enforcement we are creating green jobs and a greener, more sustainable future."
The new regulations prohibit leases within 150 feet of Maryland's historic oyster bars in the sanctuaries. This 150-foot setback provides sanctuary bars protection from accidental harvesting. DNR also is limiting these lease opportunities to no more than 10 percent of available sanctuary acreage. Leaseholders using a power dredge to harvest oysters from a sanctuary lease must provide DNR 48 hours notice prior to harvesting oysters.
More information is available online at www.dnr.maryland.gov.
1 comment:
so the gov. has taken away public oyster bars, he said this was going to help the bay, and turns around and offers them to private corparations.....hmmmm you tell me whats going on
Post a Comment