CHESAPEAKE BAY, MD – The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has selected the next three sites for large-scale oyster restoration in Maryland waters of the Chesapeake Bay, marking the beginning of the state’s next phase of major oyster restoration.
The department will conduct oyster restoration and monitoring in sanctuaries in Herring Bay, the Nanticoke River, and Hoopers Strait. Staff presented the selected sites to the Oyster Advisory Commission at its meeting Tuesday.
Planning for these new restoration efforts comes as the department concludes its initial restoration of the “big five” sanctuary sites as required in the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. Initial restoration is complete at four sanctuaries, with work on the last site in Manokin River scheduled to be completed on target for 2025.
DNR says these three new sites are part of Maryland’s next phase in ongoing major oyster restoration efforts as the department concludes its initial restoration in five original sites around the Chesapeake Bay region.
Oyster restoration and monitoring are now planned for the Nanticoke River, Hoopers Strait, and Herring Bay. DNR says the Nanticoke River will be the first site to see work commence, with about 175 acres to be established as a sanctuary. Work is currently slated to begin there in spring and summer of 2025. Either the Herring Bay or Hoopers Straight will then be the focus of new restoration work in 2026, followed by the third site.
The newest development in Maryland oyster restoration was announced at an October 8th meeting of the Oyster Advisory Commission. The projects will be funded by a $10 million NOAA grant announced over the summer.
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