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                       903094002
                           DRAFT
                      Chesapeake Bay
                           Oyster
                      Management Plan
                      Chesapeake Bay Program

                          JUNE 1994
CB 00615

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Introduction

     The oyster (Crassostrea virginica) resource in the Chesapeake
Bay has been significantly impacted by the oyster parasites MSX and
Dermo, habitat losses, water quality, and harvesting. In 1989, an
Oyster Fishery Management Plan (FMP)  was  completed for oysters and
included strategies  to address the  problems  of  harvest decline,
recruitment, disease mortality, leased ground production, habitat
issues, shellfish sanitation, market production and the repletion
program. The  oyster  commercial harvest  continued to decline and
special  committees  were organized  to review the situation.  In
Maryland, the role of the State in oyster management was analyzed
and  critiqued  by a  special  committee appointed by  the governor
(Wolman  Report   1990).   As  a  result   of   the  Wolman  Report
recommendations,  the  Maryland Department  of Natural  Resources
(MDNR) increased oyster taxes  and license fees,  continued a seed
supply for  private aquaculture,  continued the repletion program,
developed stock assessment efforts and increased disease research
and monitoring  (Refer  to  Appendix I for  a  summary of the Wolman
Report's major recommendations).

     As the ecological value of the oyster resource in regards to
water quality was recognized and disease became more limiting, an
improved framework was needed for managing the oyster resource. In
Virginia, a 33-member  "Blue Ribbon" Panel met to discuss oyster
issues and develop recommendations for restoring Virginia's oyster
industry.   Four   potential   oyster   sources  were   considered:
traditional state and private culture of C. virqinica; off-bottom
culture  in  approved waters;  on-bottom  culture  of   a non-native
species, C.  gigas; and on-shore depuration of moderately polluted
oysters. The recommendations of the Virginia Blue Ribbon Panel were
prepared  and reported in  the Virginia Holton Plan  (Refer  to
Appendix II for a summary).

     The Chesapeake Bay Program's Scientific and Technical Advisory
Committee (STAC)  initially played a dominant role in coordinating
efforts to draft a baywide oyster restoration action agenda. After
several workshops,  eight problem areas were defined to maintain the
oyster fishery and restore the oyster reef community. These problem
areas  were: restoration  of habitat;  recognition  of ecological
function;  control  of  fishing  mortality;  improvement  of  the
repletion program;  management around  disease; support of research;
promotion   of  aquaculture   and   the  establishment   of  oyster
sanctuaries. The STAC work provided the framework for revising the
1989 Oyster FMP.  Specific  actions  and  details concerning these
problem areas  were developed  by committee through  the Maryland
Oyster Roundtable  (MOR) and the  Virginia Holton Plan (VHP).  The
Virginia  and Maryland  committee reports served as the  source
documents for the 1994 Oyster FMP.

     One of the  major innovations  resulting from  the MOR  was
defining oyster recovery areas (ORA's). Restoration  areas will be

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 established in the Chester, Choptank, Magothy, Nanticoke,  Patuxent,
 and Severn Rivers.  These areas  will be  targeted for  restoring
 oyster  populations and then  scientifically monitored to see  how
 well  new techniques  are working.  A non-profit corporation will be
 formed by aquaculturists, environmentalists and watermen to  play a
 major role in developing and applying innovative oyster restoration
 techniques. The delineation of ORA's has resulted in two management
 sections in  the  revised  1994   Oyster  FMP,  the  first section
 addresses baywide strategies  and actions,  and the  second section
 addresses Maryland  strategies and actions  for the  ORA's.   The
 biological background section from the original 1989 Oyster FMP has
 been  updated  and  included  after the  management  sections.   In
 addition to establishing ORA's, Maryland DNR will also establish a
 pilot permitting  program for oyster  aquaculture demonstration
 projects.

 Ecological Role

      The ecological  value of  oyster  reefs to the Chesapeake  Bay
 ecosystem includes  the  effects  of  oyster  filtration  on  water
 quality   and   the  biological  diversity  associated  with  reef
 communities.  Oysters  filter phytoplankton  and   other  organic
 particulate matter from the water  column, thus clarifying the water
 and reducing  organic  loads  contributing to  anoxia (STAC  1992).
 Results  from oyster modelling (Ulanowicz and  Tuttle 1992) suggest
 that  increasing  oyster stocks either by aquaculture or enhancing
 natural  oyster bars could augment the attainment of water quality
 goals. Although  the  ecological role of oysters in the Chesapeake
 Bay ecosystem  is recognized,  its  benefit is indirect and hard to
 measure.  Few data are  available to quantify oyster reef community
 structure  and  function.  Myatt   and  Myatt  (1990)  conducted  an
 ecological  study  of  hard-substrate   communities  within  the
 Chesapeake Bay.  They  concluded  that an artificial  reef program
 would  be  an   asset  to  the  Bay  environment.   Since  ecological
 functions  overlap with  other problem  areas,   specific  actions
 addressing this  issue have   not  been developed.  Strategies  and
 actions  that  restore oyster  habitat  and enhance/increase oyster
 production will  benefit the ecosystem.

 Current  Status of the Oyster  Fishery

     Currently, oyster harvest from the Chesapeake Bay is  at  an all
 time  low. The  fishery  is  restricted to  a  few areas where legal-
 sized oysters  can be harvested. These are low salinity areas, where
 natural recruitment (spat  set) is  low  and unpredictable, where the
 State's  repletion programs expend the greatest effort, and  where
 oysters  are at greatest risk  from freshets. During the 1992/1993
 oyster season,  124,000  bushels were harvested from Maryland, 64,500
bushels  from Virginia and 105,000 bushels from the Potomac River.
Preliminary 1993/1994 commercial oyster  landings  from Maryland are
 76,000 bushels.  This is the seventh consecutive  year of harvests
below 500,000  bushels  (Figure 1 and 2).  Preliminary 1993/1994

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oyster harvests from Virginia and the Potomac River were 30,000 and
223 bushels,  respectively. Oyster surveys in Maryland indicate that
oyster diseases have expanded their range. Oyster spat set has been
variable (Figure 3). The 1991 spat fall index, the average number
of young oysters found on a given amount of oyster shell,  was the
highest recorded in 27 years at over  200  spat per bushel. The 1993
oyster spat set was 16.2 spat per bushel.  For greater detail on the
biology and life history of  oysters and an historic perspective on
the oyster fishery, refer to the biological background section (p.
24).

     The Virginia  Marine Resources  Commission  (VMRC)  biologists
recommended  a  moratorium on the  harvest of oysters from public
grounds during 1993. After much deliberation and public hearings,.
the VMRC  decided to  shorten  the oyster  season and set  a  6,000
bushel limit from October 15th through December  31st, restrict the
length of tongs to  18 feet,  and prohibit harvest  after 12 noon. The
VMRC's actions did not affect the harvest of oysters from private
grounds. The restrictions were  similar to  those approved by the
Potomac River  Fisheries Commission  (PRFC) in  response  to  high
oyster mortalities. Mortalities  as  high as 90%  were reported in
parts of the Potomac  River  due to a high  freshwater influx from
spring rainfall and snowmelt.

FMP Status and Management Unit

     A Chesapeake Bay Oyster Management Plan was  completed  in 1989.
The 1994 Oyster FMP supersedes the 1989  FMP.  The  management unit is
the American or eastern oyster (Crassostrea virqinica)  throughout
its range in the Chesapeake Bay.  The Virginia oyster industry has
two  different  environments,  the Bay   and  Seaside.   Management
considerations  for  the Virginia  resource are for the  Bay oyster
bars and do not include the intertidal  Seaside bars.

Goals and Objectives

Overall, the jurisdictions will:

     Enhance the ecological  value of  oysters in  the Chesapeake Bay
     ecosystem by restoring habitat,  controlling  fishing mortality,
     promoting aquaculture and continuing the repletion programs.

The objectives defined by the Maryland  Oyster Roundtable are:

     1) Maximize and enhance the ecological benefits of oysters;

     2) Maximize  and  enhance  the economic  benefits derived from
     harvesting in the public and private oyster fisheries;  and

     3) Maximize the ability of government to respond  effectively
     to the magnitude of the problem.

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The objectives defined by the Virginia Holton Plan are:

     1) Determine  fair and justifiable harvest  quotas through a
     data collection and analysis system.

     2) Rejuvenate  the public oyster fishery  by redesigning the
     repletion  progam  and   evaluate   the  effectiveness  of  a
     redesigned oyster repletion program.

     3) Implement a limited entry program for fisheries in order to
     protect both full-time fishermen and the resource.

     4) Implement regulatory reforms and technical advisory service
     to strengthen off-bottom culture.

     5) Explore  the feasibility  and  ultimate construction  of a
     depuration  facility  for oysters from both the  private and
     public bottom.

     6) Test  in the laboratory  and,  conditionally,  in  the York
     River, the suitability of the non-native oyster,  C. gicrasf as
     a factor in the rejuvenation of Virginia oyster industry.


MANAGEMENT SECTION 1.
BAYWIDE PROBLEM AREAS AND MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

Disease

     Haplosporidium nelsoni  (MSX) and Perkinsus marinus (Dermo) are
the major impediments to restoring  oyster  stocks to the level of
abundance of recent  decades  in  the  Chesapeake Bay.  Approximately
100%  of Maryland  and  Virginia  oyster  beds  are  infected  with
disease. MSX and Dermo are single-celled parasites that grow within
oyster tissue. They cause signficant mortalities within the first
two years of life and have altered  the  size and age structure of
the oyster  population.  Maryland  stock  survey data  from limited
areas, indicate adequate numbers of  juvenile and premarket oysters
but greatly reduced  numbers of  market-sized oysters.  Although
oysters exhibit highly variable growth rates, they can reach market
size  in about  3  years.  This  is  enough  time  for  diseases  to
eliminate all market-size oysters on a bar. Younger, less than 3"
oysters, can  still reproduce and maintain moderate  recruitment
success or  spat  set.  Climate and subsequent  changes  in salinity
affect disease distribution and  infection.  Salinities below 10-15
ppt and above 30-32 ppt are associated with  decreased MSX activity.
MSX can inhibit oyster  growth and gametogenesis  in  spring.  Dermo
can tolerate lower salinities and is more persistent and damaging
to oyster populations than MSX.

     Currently,  there  are   no  known  disease-resistant  oysters
available.  Rutgers has developed an  MSX resistant strain which can

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become  infected with MSX but  will survive to  market  size. This
strain, however, is more susceptible to Dermo than regular oysters.
A  major breakthrough  in  1993 was the culture  of Dermo  in the
laboratory.  This breakthrough will make  it easier to  study the
organism  and,  hopefully,  facilitate  some advances  in  disease
research. In order to provide a successful  research program, stable
and carefully targeted funding must be provided over several years.
After  a pre-determined time  frame,  the  research  and  management
program   should  be   critically   evaluated  to   determine  its
effectiveness in reversing the decreasing trend in oyster stocks
and progress towards controlling MSX and Dermo.

Strategy 1.1
The Bay jurisdictions will monitor the prevalence and intensity of
MSX and Dermo in the  Bay and  attempt to minimize the  spread of
disease.
Actions;
l.l.l
1.1.2
1.1.3
1.1.4
The Bay  jurisdictions  will continue the annual disease
survey,  increase sample  size  and develop  new disease
detection  techniques  at the Oxford  Laboratory and the
Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS).
               Implementation 1.1.1
               Continue   existing   sampling
               October/November and March.
                                      schedule   during
The  Bay jurisdictions  will establish  a protocol  for
certifying  oysters,   including  seed  oysters,  for  the
prevalence  and  intensity  of  MSX,  Dermo,  or  other
pathogens.

     Implementation 1.1.2
     1995

Maryland  and Virginia  will  continue their  repletion
programs using natural  seed with  low  levels of MSX and
Dermo  contamination  until  enough  hatchery  produced,
disease-free seed is produced. At  that time in Maryland,
movement of seed which  cannot be  certified  will cease.
Techniques   for   disease   monitoring   will   include
histocytology  (thioglycolate  assays  and  histological
analysis),    immunological    detection    tests    and
histopathology.

     Implementation 1.1.3
     Continue. Implement movement of  disease-free seed
     from hatcheries as it becomes available.

The jurisdictions will continue  to rotate seed areas to
avoid transport  of  older year classes that have a higher
probability of disease infestation.

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               Implementation 1.1.4
               Continue

1.1.5     The jurisdictions will conduct a pilot study to test the
          difference in survival  between  seed moved in  the fall
          compared to  seed moved  in  the  spring  and  investigate
          other  approaches  for  seed  planting  to  reduce  the
          possibility of disease infestation before transport (part
          of improved repletion program).

               Imp1ementation 1.1.5
               September 1994- April 1995

Strategy 1.2
The Bay  jurisdictions  will implement a coordinated,  multi-year,
goal-oriented research program to identify, understand, prevent and
control MSX,  Dermo, and other potential pathogens.  Funding for this
research should be stable, carefully targeted for specific research
issues and followed  by  an evaluation after five  years  to assess
progress and determine continuation.

Actions:
1.2.1     The Bay jurisdictions will  delegate responsibility for
          coordinating  the   research  program   to  a   specific
          person/agency.

               Implementation 1.2.1
               1994

1.2.2     Maryland will initiate  the  first five-year phase  of a
          multi-year research  program aimed  at early  detection,
          prevention, and  control  of MSX and  Dermo which  will
          include the following:

          1)  Improve  the methodology for early  detection of disease
          during all life stages of oysters;
          2)  Obtain a better understanding of the life cycle of MSX
          and  Dermo,  including environmental  reguirements  and
          identification of alternate hosts;
          3)  Identify existing information and intensify research
          on the physiological aspects of MSX and Dermo,  including
          immune system function;
          4)  Determine  why some oyster species are not susceptible
          to MSX or Dermo;
          5)  Utilize  cell culture to learn Dermo's requirements for
          survival and the best methods of eradicating it;
          6)  Understand the  effects of cold  temperature  and low
          salinity  on  parasites  and  relate  them  to  various
          management scenarios;
          7)   Examine the  response of  C. virginica  from  other
          regions (outside the Chesapeake Bay)  to MSX and/or Dermo
          when transplanted in the Bay.

                                8

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               Implementation 1.2.2
               1995-2000

Strategy 1.3
Research will continue on disease-resistant oysters, hybridization,
and the possible effects of  introducing a hybrid or exotic species
into the Bay.

Actions:
1.3.1     Maryland will  initiate  a pilot field program to plant
          strains of the eastern  oyster  not native to Chesapeake
          Bay  in  higher salinity  areas   of  the  Bay  and  its
          tributaries.   Adequate  precautions will  be  taken  to
          prevent  the  introduction  of  new  disease  strains  and
          undesirable genetic stock (see Action 1.3.3).

               Implementation 1.3.1
               1995

1.3.2     a) Virginia,  through  the Virginia Institute  of Marine
          Science (VIMS), is currently conducting an environmental
          impact assessment of  the introduction of a non-native
          oyster. Research  at VIMS includes the following:

               1) An  on-shore  test  on  the  temperature-salinity
               tolerances of C.  gigas (to include all geographical
               strains)  to  determine the best  growing conditions
               and to establish whether  C.  gigas.  introduced into
               the water column at the proper  time, will outgrow
               its predators7  ability  to destroy  it.  This  data
               will be used to  estimate the  probable  range of C.
               gigas in the  Chesapeake Bay,  its overlapping range
               with  C.  virginica  and  its   potential use  as  a
               commercial product.
               2) A study of river currents  in the  York River to
               determine the  best  location  for  a  reef  and
               broodstock sanctuary for  C.  gigas.
               3) Culture a sufficient number of C. gigas in  the
               hatchery in   quarantine status,  condition  them to
               spawn at the optimum  time for planting  after  the
               conclusion  of   the  on-shore   test,   and   take
               conditional actions (1) (below) if it is warranted.
               4) A literature search to  determine  to  what degree
               C. gigas  will replace  C.  virginica ecologically.

          Conditional action (1)
               5a)  If the results  of  the  temperature-salinity  and
               ecological studies  are positive (i.e., show that C.
               gigas  placed  in   the   York  will  outgrow   its
               predators),  establish a  small,  pilot,  sanctuary
               reef in the York River of about one acre and put C.
               gigas overboard  on  the  reef  (must  request  the

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               Commissioner to allow the planting).
               5b)  If the  results  of  the  temperature-salinity
               study  are negative,  discontinue research on  C.
               gigas.

          Conditional action (2)
              '6) If the pilot reef is a success, if C. giqas grow
               to reproducing  and/or market  size  in  reasonable
               numbers  after  3  years,   establish  a  program  to
               expand the sanctuary and build multiple  reefs  on
               the York  River  to allow seed larvae to naturally
               settle there from the sanctuary.

          Conditional action (3)
               7) If C.  cfigas  proves  resistant to  MSX  after a
               significant potential  infection,  distribute  seed
               for use in MSX-dominated areas where flow patterns
               will  tend to  isolate C.  qigas  from productive  C.
               virginica.

          b)  Maryland  will   conduct   an   environmental  impact
          assessment of the potential introduction of a non-native
          oyster species as a contingency plan  if the action items
          in this plan are not  enough to increase oyster stocks in
          the  Bay.   Maryland will  utilize  the  results  of  the
          Virginia assessment (Action 1.3.2.a) to avoid duplicating
          efforts.

               Implementation 1.3.2
               a) Continue  b)  Open

1.3.3     The Bay jurisdictions will follow the guidelines  set
          forth  in  the  Exotic Species  Policy developed by  the
          Chesapeake Bay Program's Living Resources Subcommittee.

               Implementation 1.3.3
               1994

Repletion Programs

     State repletion programs have focused on increasing the size
of  the  oyster  harvest  by moving  shell  and  transplanting  seed
oysters. Currently,  state agencies  move seed oysters  to grow-out
regions so  watermen  who pay a  license  fee can harvest  them  for
market.  Since there is little to no production from natural bars,
the repletion program supports a put-and-take fishery. In Maryland,
license fees pay about half the cost of  the repletion  program and
the state  and federal government funds the rest. In Virginia, state
funds cover 90% of a smaller  state repletion program.

     The  State   repletion  program is  the   major   source  for
harvestable  oysters  in  Maryland at this  time. It  is  limited  by

                                10

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natural reproduction  (spat set), disease infection, the amount of
available  shell  or cultch,  and funding. Because  of high disease
pressure in most lower-Bay locations,  seed repletion programs move
oyster  seed  from  high  salinity,  high  spat set  areas,  to  low
salinity,  low spat  set  areas which  have   slow  growth  and  low
disease.  Maryland  and Virginia  currently have  no disease-free,
seed-producing areas  and transplanting  seed may  facilitate  the
spread of disease throughout the Bay. The repletion program in each
state  should  be  adapted,  as  appropriate,   to  the  initiatives
recommended  in this plan. Monitoring  efforts should continue and
adjustments made to optimize the timing and  location of shell and
seed  plantings  which will result in  enhanced  oyster production
(Refer  to Appendix  III  and  IV  for  a  summary  of each state's
repletion program during 1993).

Strategy 2.1
The Maryland and Virginia repletion  programs will minimize  the
possibility of spreading MSX and Dermo.

Actions:
2.1.1     The  Bay  jurisdictions   will   implement  the  disease
          strategies and actions  defined  in the Disease Section of
          this management plan to minimize the spread of disease.

               Implementation 2.1.1
               Variable,   depending on  actions  defined  in  the
               previous management section.

Strategy 2.2
The Bay jurisdictions will maintain and adapt their current state
repletion programs to promote  natural  oyster production and meet
the changing needs  of  the oyster resource. This includes adjusting
plantings based on salinity patterns and disease information.  The
programs will be modified as new initiatives from the MOR and VHP
are implemented.  Repletion efforts will be monitored then evaluated
after a three year period (1997).

Actions:
2.2       Maryland will  maintain  the  state  repletion program as
          funds are available  at a level of at least  2  million
          bushels of shell and  500,000  bushels of seed if spat set
          levels   permit. As   new  initiatives  by  the  MOR  are
          implemented, the repletion program may be modified.

               Implemention 2.2
               Continue.  Seed  plantings  begin in April  1994  and
               shell plantings in June and early July  1994.

2.3       Maryland  will  continue  the  fall  dredge survey  which
          provides  data  on  oyster  mortality,  recruitment  (spat
          set),   and  disease   patterns,   to  direct  the  oyster
          repletion efforts.

                               11

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               Implementation 2.3
               Continue

2.4       Maryland will provide fresh shell to the state hatchery
          and  to community  groups for  habitat enhancement  and
          develop a policy on minimum desiccation period to prevent
          spread of MSX and Dermo with fresh shell.

               Implementation 2.4
               1995

2.5       Maryland DNR will support the  ORA efforts by providing
          the program with  a percentage of  available  shell.  The
          amount  of  shell  will  be  negotiated  annually.  For
          1994/1995, 200,000 bushels of shell will be available.

               Implementation' 2.5
               Beginning in 1994 and continuing annually.

2.6       Virginia will restore two major  areas where  setting is
          good,  the  James and  the Rappahannock Rivers,  forming
          sanctuaries  for  maintaining  the  biological  stock.
          Restoration efforts will include:  1)  locating the best
          substrate; 2)  prohibiting harvest  in these  areas;  3)
          adding shell or other material to build reef structure;
          4) adding seed;  and, 5) monitoring the growth of oysters.

               Implementation 2.6
               Begin in 1994

2.7       Virginia will turn and clean on  a rolling basis oyster
          beds near sanctuary reefs in the James and Rappahannock
          Rivers to  prepare them  to  receive  spat set  from  the
          sanctuary areas. The  cleaning procedure will include: 1)
          identifying the best  areas; 2) delineating the best time
          to  turn  the  beds;  3)  monitoring  the  growth of  new
          oysters;  4) opening  the  beds to harvest  and  setting a
          guota; and, 5) closing the beds once the quota is met and
          starting the process again.

               Implementation 2.7
               1995

2.8       a) The Bay jurisdictions will continue to monitor their
          repletion efforts and adjust the timing and location of
          shell and seed planting based on the best available data.
          b) Virginia will establish a computer data-base system to
          monitor the progress of the repletion program on a bar by
          bar basis.

               Implementation 2.8
               a) Continue   b)  1995

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2.9       When the hatchery production of seed is adequate to meet
          planting needs, the repletion programs will be modified.

               Implementation 2.9
               Open. Dependent on seed production.

Habitat/Water Quality

     Overfishing  has contributed to  the reduction  in available
oyster habitat in the Chesapeake Bay by removing shell.  Oyster bars
have  become small mounds  with relatively  thin  layers  of shell
scattered over the bottom. Reef flattening has taken oysters out of
the higher  water  column where currents bring fresh food  supplies
and made them particularly vulnerable  to siltation. Heavy  sediment
loads from agricultural  and urban run-off, construction  activities,
natural  erosion,  dredging,  and forestry activities  can impact
oyster bars. The  reduction  in reef  surface  area has also reduced
the amount  of substrate for oyster larvae to settle. Oyster shell
is the most suitable substrate  for  spat settlement and should be
considered  an important natural resource. Loss of shell due to the
export of  oysters out  of  the state  is  detrimental  to restoring
oyster beds. Shell conservation  should be practiced.  Oyster beds
can be re-established by building up the base with additional firm
substrate.  Rebuilding efforts should  be focused in shallow areas
(below 10m) where low oxygen is not a problem.

     Oysters are an important part of  the Bay ecosystem especially
in their role as filter-feeders. They consume large quantities of
suspended organic particles, recycle nutrients, and transfer energy
throughout  the food  web. Adequate water quality is essential for
oysters  to  reproduce,  grow   and  maintain   health.   Habitat
requirements for temperature, salinity, sediment, pH, and dissolved
oxygen have been  summarized  in Table  1 in the background section
(p.25).  Oyster  eggs  and  larvae  can  be  killed  by suspended
sediments.  Adult  oysters  can  withstand periods  of  increased
turbidity and  sedimentation  but extended exposure can result in
damage to their  filtering  apparatus.  Of greatest concern baywide
are the  effects  of  excess  nutrients and the impacts  of  toxic
materials.

Strategy 3.1
The Bay jurisdictions will conduct a phased program to evaluate and
implement projects to restore the physical habitat for oysters.

Actions:
3.1.1     The  Bay jurisdictions  will   restore  physical  oyster
          habitat through the Maryland  and Virginia  Aquatic Reef
          Program (refer to the Aquatic Reef Habitat Plan 1994 for
          details).
          1) Approximately  5000 acres  each  of  new oyster  reef
          habitat will be created in Maryland  and Virginia and 1000
          acres in the Potomac River,  over the next 5 years.

                               13

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          2) Oyster harvest will be prohibited at designated sites.
          3)  A   research   plan  will  be   prepared   to  obtain
          hydrodynamics, unit design, and deployment configuration
          recommendations.
          4) The  reefs  will  be  monitored  to determine compliance
          and evaluate ecological performance.
          5) The Reef Program will expand into additional areas and
          sites  as  guided  by  the  findings   of  research  and
          monitoring.

               Implementation 3.1.1
               See specifics in  the 1994 Aquatic Reef Habitat Plan

3.1.2     The Bay jurisdictions will  redefine sanctuaries  with
          adequate geographic extent and distinctiveness.
          1) Virginia will expand the 25 acre broodstock sanctuary
          in  the  James River  (Lower Jail Island/Wreck  Shoal)
          currently used by the Oyster Repletion Program to an area
          not less than  2000  acres, north of  the channel and chosen
          by the VMRC.
          2) Virginia will establish a broodstock sanctuary in a
          geographically distinct area of approximately 50 acres in
          the Rappahannock River.
          3) Virginia will establish a broodstock sanctuary of less
          than 50 acres in Mobjack Bay and manage it according to
          the repletion plan.
          4) Virginia will continue to use  specific areas  within
          the Piankatank and Great Wicomico Rivers  as seed areas
          for the repletion program.

               Implementation 3.1.2
               Variable, but beginning in  1994.

3.1.3     The Bay jurisdictions will evaluate innovative techniques
          for restoring physical oyster habitat,  conduct projects
          such  as cleaning  bottom areas,  and evaluate  optimal
          physical   structures   and  alternative   materials  for
          rebuilding oyster bars.

               Implementation 3.1.3
               1995

Strategy 3.2
The Bay jurisdictions will ensure that water quality is maintained
at levels necessary to support healthy oyster populations.

Actions:
3.2.1     Current  programs  established  under the  Chesapeake  Bay
          Program to reduce pollutant sources that adversely affect
          oyster stocks  will  be maintained. The Tributary Strategy
          will  incorporate  specific measures  to protect  oyster
          stocks from adverse water quality.

                                14

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               Implementation 3.2.1
               Continue

3.2.2     Local,  state,  and federal agencies  will utilize their
          permitting and  environmental  review programs to ensure
          that  oyster  habitat is  not  adversely  affected  by the
          discharge  of  pollutants,  dredging,  and other  human
          activities.

               Implementation 3.2.2
               Continue

3.2.3     Virginia will continue to support the efforts of SENTAF,
          the   Department  of  Health  and   the  Department  of
          Conservation and Recreation's  Division  of Soil and Water
          Conservation to identify and control  non point-source
          pollution.

               Implementation 3.2.3
               Continue

3.2.4     The  ORA advisory committee will assess  the potential
          impact of activities which may adversely affect oysters
          in ORA/s and provide recommendations to the appropriate
          agencies for prevention and restoration of adequate water
          quality.

               Implementation 3.2.4
               1995

Management to Increase oyster Production

     The disease problem,  the lack of oyster habitat, variability
in  recruitment,  and harvest  pressures  have  placed considerable
constraints  on oyster  production. Current production  levels of
certified oyster larvae and seed oysters  will not  meet the needs of
stocking  the  ORA's  or  providing for  private  aquaculture  and
community association projects.  Past and  current  oyster  culture
techniques  should be analyzed  and  coordinated  with  management
approaches to enhance production. New technology  is needed for the
restoration,  culture,  and production of   oysters.  In the  past,
institutional  barriers  made it  difficult  to  obtain aquaculture
permits.  To  allow  progress  toward  opportunities  for  private
aquaculture  ventures,   efforts   should  be made  to  assist  and
encourage the private industry. There will be difficulty enforcing
property rights relevant to private oyster aquaculture in the Bay
without  signficant  social  change.  Presently,  MDNR has  oyster
hatcheries at Deal Island and Piney Point, and the University of
Maryland has a hatchery at Horn Point. Production  at these hatchery
facilities  in  Maryland  should be  increased  to provide spat  and
larvae.

                               15

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     The advantages and disadvantages of a 'slot limit' should be
evaluated as a means of  increasing oyster production. Lowering the
minimum size  to  2.5" would allow oysters to be  harvested before
they succumb  to  disease.  A 4" maximum  size would  protect larger
oysters that have survived MSX and Dermo infestation and allow the
possible   development  of   disease-resistant    individuals   and
eventually, the build-up of a disease resistant stock.

Strategy 4.1
The Bay  jurisdictions will work to improve and increase oyster
production in the private and public oyster fisheries.

Actions:
4.1.1     Maryland  and  Virginia  will  prepare  a  comprehensive
          analysis of past and current oyster culture techniques in
          the Chesapeake Bay and other relevant  areas to help focus
          effort and finances into projects with the best chances
          of success. In preparing the document, existing expertise
          and experience in the National Marine Fisheries Service
          will be utilized.

               Implementation 4.1.1
               1995

4.1.2     Maryland will increase the hatchery production of oyster
          larvae and seed oysters by maximizing production at Horn
          Point  and  using  fresh  shells  supplied by  MDNR.  In
          addition, field surveys are curently underway to evaluate
          plantings  of  hatchery  reared  seed  which  will  guide
          utilization of larvae and seed from  state facilities.

               Implementation 4.1.2
               Field  study of hatchery reared  seed  is in  its
               second year.  Shells were  delivered to Horn Point in
               February 1994.

4.1.3     Maryland will establish remote setting sites for eyed-
          larvae purchased from public  orprivate  hatcheries,  in
          appropriate locations with low levels of  MSX and Dermo.

               Implementation 4.1.3
               1995

4.1.4     Maryland and Virginia will encourage private companies to
          develop  oyster  hatcheries.  Encouragement will include
          competitive bidding for  contracts   to provide  oyster
          larvae and seed for ORA's and other  areas.

               Implementation 4.1.4
               1995
                                16

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4.1.5     Maryland and Virginia will initiate a grant program with
          matching funds provided by private industry, to stimulate
          the  development  of  innovative  techniques  for  oyster
          restoration, culture and production.

               Implementation 4.1.5
               Dependent and limited by availability of funding.

4.1.6     Maryland DNR will establish  a pilot  permitting program
          for oyster aquaculture demonstration projects. The pilot
          program will include the following aspects:
          1) an initial 5 year permit;
          2) a limit of 20 permits;
          3) permits will be limited to 5 acres per individual;
          4) total area under a single permit may include more than
          one location;
          5) permittees will be  required  to prepare and submit a
          report summarizing the activities on the permitted area
          to MDNR. The report  should include  information on what
          restoration activities were  undertaken,  the production
          techniques utilized, and  amount of oysters  planted and
          harvested;
          6) if a permittee fails to report or does not undertake
          any production activities, MDNR may revoke the permit;

               Implementation 4.1.6
               As  of  February 1994, a draft document  entitled,
               Oyster Aquaculture Permit Guidelines 1994 has been
               developed (see Appendix  V for details).

4.1.7     MDNR will establish an aquaculture permit clearinghouse
          service for applicants which  will include:
          1) designating a  single point of contact for  questions
          related to the regulatory requirements  for aquaculture,
          tracking permit  applications,  and  coordinating  state
          agency  permitting activities   related  to  aquaculture
          permits;
          2) coordinating the preparation  of a permitting handbook
          for potential applicants  for  aquaculture permits.

               Implementation 4.1.7
               ??

4.1.8     The Bay jurisdictions will define the acreage available
          for leasing oyster bottom.
          1) MDNR  will  identify areas  to be  characterized  as
          Aquaculture Zones through recommendations by the MOR.
          2) VMRC  will implement  the  following  for  off  bottom
          culture:
               a)  VIMS  will establish  criteria  for  identifying
               potentially productive areas, classifying waters as
               appropriate (I) , marginal (II), and not  appropriate

                               17

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               (Ill) for aquaculture;
               b)   establish   regulations  for  aquaculture   in
               regulation title 28.1, Fish, Oysters, Shellfish and
               Other Marine Life (includes a permitting process
               for   aquacultural    off-bottom   projects   that
               accommodates structures of changeable configuration
               and permit time-spans of appropriate length);
               c)  establish  Department  of  Health  regulations
               specifically for  aquaculture through  discussions
               among   the   Department   of   Health,   industry
               representatives, and advisors;
               d) draft a model  legislative package by VIMS that
               establishes  tax  incentives  for the start-up  of
               private hatcheries to provide  a steady  supply  of
               seed to farmers;
               e) designate a  technical  advisory agent  with  the
               VIMS  Advisory  Service   who will   specialize  in
               hatchery  advice,   grow-out  advice,   permitting
               assistance and site selection assistance.
          3)  PRFC  will   not   permit   any  leasing   except   by
          authorization from both Maryland and Virginia

               Implementation 4.1.8
               Variable beginning in 1994

4.1.9     The enforcement of property rights relevant to private
          oyster aquaculture will be added to the public education
          progam.

               Implementation 4.1.9
               1995

4.1.10    The VMRC will develop and operate a  depuration facility
          to utilize oysters  in less than optimum  water quality
          situations.  The development of a depuration facility will
          not lessen the need to continue  to improve water quality.

               Implementation 4.1.10
               1995

Strategy 4.2
The Bay jurisdictions will reduce and control  fishing  mortality.

Actions:
4.2.1     Maryland  will  utilize the  following  guidelines  for
          controlling fishing mortality:
          a) The population structure of  oysters on  a bar within a
          region will be established before the harvest season, the
          areas will be monitored during the season, and harvesting
          rates  will  be determined.  If  harvest  rates  from  the
          previous  year  exceed  the guidelines   (see  4.2.1  b),
          regional adjustments  will  be made concerning the opening

                                18

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          and closing of specific areas for harvest.
          b) Maryland will  regulate harvest on open bars at fishing
          mortality rates  dependent  on  region and gear type. The
          following  annual   fishing mortality  rates  will  be
          established in repleted areas:
               1) Tributaries -
                    a. Hand Tong        50%
                    b. Patent Tong      40%
                    c. Dredge           40%
                    d. Diver            40%

               2) Mainstem -
                    a. Lower Bay (MD/VA line to Cove Pt)  - 50%
                    b. Mid Bay (Cove Pt. to Holland Pt.)  - 40%
                    c. Upper Bay (Holland Pt north)      - 40%

               The following  annual  fishing  mortality rates will
               be established in unrepleted areas  and apply to all
               gears:
               1) Tributaries - 30% once every 3 years
               2) Mainstem -
                    a. Lower Bay        - 50% once every 2 years;
                                          cull size = 2.5"
                    b. Mid Bay          - 50% once every 2 years
                    c. Upper Bay        - 0%; area will be closed

               Implementation 4.2.1
               1995

4.2.2     The  Bay  jurisdictions  will  evaluate  the  potential
          advantages and disadvantages  of a  'slot  limit'  with a
          minimum size for  harvesting of 2.5"  and a maximum size of
          4".
          1) Slot limit already in effect for PRFC below the hand
          scrape line.
          2) Maryland will collect oysters over 4" from  diseased
          areas  and  test  their resistance  to  disease  and  the
          resistance of their progeny. The patent tong survey data
          will be reviewed to provide estimates of the impact of
          harvesting small  oysters from the population.

               Implementation 4.2.2
               1) Continue.  2) Begin collection in March 1994 and
               review patent tong data beginning April 1994.

4.2.3     VMRC will manage the public oyster  grounds  in  specific
          areas by establishing the  following:
          James River
          1) establish  an  18'  length  limit  on  shaft tongs  to
          protect oysters in deeper  water;
          2) establish  a  market oyster  harvest  quota  that  is
          updated yearly and  based on estimates of standing stock;

                               19

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          3)  increase  the minimum size in  the  Jail Island clean
          cull area to 3";
          4) as part of the culling practices,  reduce the tolerance
          for  blank shells  in  seed oysters  from  10  quarts  per
          bushel to 6 quarts per bushel;
          5) open Deep Water Shoal to public fishery on a limited
          basis;
          6)  establish  beds for  intensive  repletion near  the
          sanctuary and  manage them  according to  the repletion
          plan.
          Rappahannock River
          7)  expand the  prohibited area  for patent  tonging to
          include the  area  on the southside of the river to the
          channel   above   a   line  connecting    Bailey   Point
          (Urbanna/Southside)  and  the   mouth   of  Beach  Creek
          (Northside)   in order  to  reduce harvest pressure on
          productive stocks;
          8)  establish  beds for  intensive  repletion near  the
          sanctuary and  manage them  according to  the repletion
          plan.
          Pocomoke/Tangier Sounds
          9)  Prohibit  patent tonging and dredging for a  3 year
          period and re-evaluate the health of the rocks at the end
          of that period.
          Seaside Eastern Shore
          10) establish a 3" minimum size  limit on market oysters.

               implementation 4.2.3
               Variable

Collection of Management Quality Data

     Oyster population data  and harvest  information is currently
being colelcted but improvements  in recording the data should be
made. A summary of the Maryland and Virginia 1993 Oyster Programs
can be found in Appendix  II.  The summaries include descriptions of
various sampling surveys  and management programs already conducted
by  the  states.  In  addition to  the  research data   on  disease
(Strategies 1.2 and 1.3), the following  research  topics  and data
needs should be encouraged:
1) Determine the density  of  spawning stock necessary to repopulate
an area decimated by disease;
2) Determine natural and fishing mortality rates;
3) Define stock/recruitment relationship;
4) Determine  factors affecting abundance,  survival and growth of
larvae and juveniles.

Strategy 5.1
The Bay  jurisdictions  will  improve the collection of  management
quality data.
                                20

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Actions:
5.1       The  Bay   jurisdictions  will   continue  to   collect
          quantitative data on oyster stocks, habitat and diseases
          and make the information available in an annual report.

               Implementation 5.1
               Annually.

5.2       VMRC will establish a  computer data-base system for the
          collection,  storage and analysis on a bar-by-bar basis,
          updated weekly, of information to estimate standing stock
          and establish  yearly  catch  quotas.  Data will  include
          daily entries for total landings, boat numbers,  landings
          per boat,  where harvested,  and number of harvesters per
          boat.

               Implementation 5.2
               1995
                               21

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Management Section 2.
Management for Maryland Oyster Recovery Areas (ORAs)

     Due to the dominating impact of MSX  and Dermo on Chesapeake
oyster  stocks,  geographic  areas  termed  Oyster  Recovery  Areas
(ORAs), will be designated in low salinity reaches of the Bay and
its tributaries where MSX and Dermo are  apparently less viable. The
objectives for managing these areas are 1)  limit  transplantation
activities which  would serve to  perpetuate MSX  and Dermo  in a
region and 2)  evaluate  different methods to rehabilitate, rebuild,
plant and otherwise restore oyster populations in these areas. The
following  section describes the  specific,   intensive  management
effort that will be implemented in the  ORAs.

Strategy i
The implementation of activities within the ORAs by the MDNR will
be guided by an advisory committee.

Actions:
1.1       Each ORA advisory committee will be constituted by MDNR
          and   include   representatives    of    the   following
          organizations  and  interests:  watermen;  aquaculture;
          environmentalists;  scientists;  Departments of  Natural
          Resources, Agriculture,  and Environment.

1.2       A technical committee of scientists will be established
          to  determine the  experimental  design and oversee the
          monitoring and evaluation of  the ORAs.

Strategy 2
Each ORA  will be  comprised of from one to three  zones  and must
include a  Zone A  and/or  a  Zone B.  Specific activities  will be
defined for each area.

Actions:
2.1       A)  Zone  A will be in the lowest salinity area of the ORA.
          The following activities will apply:
               1)  Clam  and oyster harvesting will be suspended for
               five years, to  reopen consistent with  management
               objectives.
               2)   Sections will  be managed as  ecological,  brood
               stock sanctuaries.
               3)  Natural  bars will be rehabilitated to facilitate
               natural  set.
               4)   Intensive  monitoring for MSX  and Dermo  will
               occur.
               5)   Only certified  seed  will be  planted  on cultch
               placed  on  prepared  bottom.  Plots may be  used for
               experimental   off-bottom culture  techniques  and
               other pilot programs.    Other  plots will  be left
               undisturbed for monitoring  purposes.
               6)   A portion  of  the  plantings  will  become  a

                               22

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               permanent sanctuary for broodstock.
               7) Sections will be transferred to higher salinity
               growout areas after 1, 2, and 3 years. Aquaculture
               permits  may  be  obtained  for  parallel  grow-out
               experiments using water column and  floating raft
               culture.

          B) Zone B will be immediately downstream of Zone A, or in
          a river  without zone A. The  following activities will
          apply:
               1) Shellfish harvesting will be allowed.
               2) Only certified seed will be planted.
               3) Natural bars will be rehabilitated.
               4) There will be  intensive  monitoring for MSX and
               Dermo

          C) Zone C will  be  a  large  zone downstream from Zone B.
          The following activities will apply:
               1) Shellfish harvesting will be allowed.
               2) Natural seed will  be imported until  it  can be
               replaced with certified seed.
               3) Experimental seeding will be allowed in selected
               areas.
               4) Natural bars will  be rehabilitated in selected
               areas.
               5)  Intensive  monitoring  for MSX  and Dermo  will
               occur.
               6) One or more  sanctuaries  will be established to
               test techniques for rebuilding  and rehabilitating
               oyster populations.

strategy 3
A subcommittee of the Oyster Roundtable  will  define the criteria
determining where the boundaries of  ORAs are and submit them to
MDNR for their adoption by regulation.

Actions:
3.1       The Chester,  Choptank,  Magothy, Nanticoke, Patuxent,  and
          Severn Rivers will  be  designated as initial  sites  for
          ORAs.

3.2       The Oyster Roundtable will  review  the  progress  of
          activities  in  the  initial  ORAs  and  recommend  the
          designation of additional ORAs if warranted, with a long-
          range  objective of restoring and rebuilding all natural
          bars.
                               23

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 Section  3.  Biological Background

     American  or eastern oysters  occur along the  east coast  of
 North  America  from the  Gulf of  St.  Lawrence,  Canada,  to Key
 Biscayne, Florida. In the Carribean, the range of American oysters
 extends  to the  Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico and the West  Indies  of
 Venezuela.  Chesapeake Bay,  which  provides  optimal environmental
 conditions  for  the  species, is  close  to  the  center of its
 geographical distribution. However, oyster production varies within
 the Bay  system  depending  on habitat conditions.

     Oysters  generally   spawn  from  May  through  September   in
 Chesapeake Bay. Increases  in water temperature to 18-20°C stimulates
 spawning activity. Eggs hatch  into free-swimming larvae that settle
 to the bottom  two to three weeks  after hatching.  They attach  to
 oyster shells or other hard substrates  and the attaching phase  is
 termed "setting."   The newly  attached oysters are called "spat."
 Oysters  grow at the rate  of about one inch per year. Growth  rates
 can  be  affected by  temperature,  food  quantity,  salinity and
 parasitic infection. Shell growth usually occurs in the spring and
 soft body  tissue growth  occurs  after  spawning.  Oysters usually
 enter the market three to five years after spat settlement.

     Oysters are  filter  feeders  and depend  on phytoplankton for
 their  energy requirements.  Oysters  play an important role   in
 filtering the water.  It has been hypothesized (Newell 1988)  that
 the decrease in oyster abundance in the Bay has contributed  to  an
 apparent  shift  from  microbial   food  webs   to  an  increase   in
 zooplankton and their predators (ctenophores  and jellyfish).

 Biological Parameters

 Natural mortality rate;       Currently, very high due to disease
                              and freshwater  inflow.

 Fecundity;                     5-15 million  eggs at one spawning.
                              Smaller oysters produce  less  eggs
                              (See Figure 4).

 Longevity;                     Up to 15 years.

Age at maturity;              2 years


Habitat Requirements (refer to Table 1)

Spawning season:              May through September.

Spawning area:                 Throughout Chesapeake Bay.
                               24

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                               fecundity. 1 Chart 1
                              Oyster fecundity v. size
   70 -r
   60 --
   50 --
0)
0)


»  40 +
W
c

I  30 +


E



   20 --
   10 --
    0 -
          0.6
1.4
1.8      2.2


   inches
2.6
3.4
                                    Page 1

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Table 1.   Habitat requirements for oyster eggs, larvae, spat, and adults. Ranges are based on broad estimates and may vary with geographic
          location (from Habitat Requirements for Chesapeake Bay Living Resources, 1991).
LIFE STAGE
Eggs
Larvae
Spat
Young
(30-50mm)
Adults
survival
feeding
growth
gametogenesis
spawning
LIFE
ZONE
water
column
water
column
hard
substrate
benthos
benthos





TEMP.'
°C
19-32
19-32
0-32+


0-32+
6-32;
(15-25
"optimum")
6-32;
(15-25
"optimum")
7.5-30+
20±
SALINITY*
ppt
12.5-35C
7.5-22.5'
12.5-27.0°
15.0-22.5'


0-36 +
5 +
12+
10+
10+
SEDIMENT*
gL-'
<0.25
<0.5
?


?
<0.4
7
?
?
PH
6.75-
8.75
6.75-
8.75
?


?
?
?
?
6-10
DISSOLVED O»
mgL-'
?
" e
g
<0 at IffC*
0.8-1 .49 at 20-0*
2.75-4.98 at 3ffC*

-1(5 days)
?
?
?
?
' Salinity can affect temperature tolerances, and vice versa. Tolerance to temperature is roughly adult=spat>veliger larvae >zygotes.
b Effects depend upon type and size of particle; experimental values have been higher than values normally encountered in nature except during
intense storms.
" Adults acclimated to 26.0-27.9 ppt; optimal egg development at 22.5 ppt and optimal larval growth at 17.5 ppt.
d Adults acclimated to 9 ppt; optimal egg developmental 10-15 ppt.
• Median mortality times in anoxia: 11 hours for 82jim larvae; larval swimming rates unaffected at O.SmgL1 for up to 12 hours.
' Spat had been set at near marine salinities.
• Median mortality times in anoxia: 150 hours  for 16mm spat.
* LCM-PO2 (mgL-') causing 50% mortality after 28 days of exposure at 10, 20, and 3CPC, with oysters held at 10 ppt, 20 ppt, and 30 ppt at each
temperature.

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Habitat  Issues

      Some  of the more  important  environmental factors affecting
oyster distribution  include substrate type,  depth, salinity, and
disease prevalence. Oysters need a clean, stable substrate  on which
to  set and  grow.  Soft mud,  shifting sand or  silted bottom are
unsuitable.  Oysters  are generally limited to waters less  than 25'
deep  due to  hypoxic/anoxic  conditions that develop in many  deeper
waters of  the Bay. Salinities above about 6-8 ppt increase  oyster
mortality  from predation and disease.

      Man's activities have impacted the distribution and abundance
of oysters. Sediment from channel dredging,  upland construction and
agricultural activities can smother oyster  beds and foul cultch to
prevent  setting.  Nitrogen and  phosphorus  enrichment  from  sewage
treatment  plants and agricultural runoff have increased the  extent
of  hypoxic and anoxic  conditions.  Sewage  input results  in high
coliform bacterial  counts  which  force the closure  of shellfish
harvesting areas  close to  the treatment  outfall.  In  1986 only
45,500 out of 158,900 acres in  the James River were classified by
the National Shellfish Sanitation Program as  approved shellfish
growing waters.  Maryland oyster  samples collected and analyzed from
1980-1986  revealed  that heavy  metal  or PCB  concentrations were
below action levels in all oyster  growing areas  sampled in the
state. However, these oysters did have levels higher than  would be
found in a pristine  environment.

Disease

      Oyster  diseases  have  been  monitored  and studied  in  the
Chesapeake Bay since the late 1950's.  Increased natural mortality
has been linked  to the spread and intensification of two parasites,
Perkinsus  marinus (Dermo)  and Haplosporidian nelsoni (MSX).  These
parasites  are  single-celled  organisms   (protozoans)   that infect
oysters  but  have  no effects  on humans, whether the  oysters are
eaten raw  or cooked. The  exact  mechanisms  by  which the parasites
kill  the oysters are not understood. There are no known cures for
the diseases. The only strategy currently available  is to move seed
oysters,  less than  1 year old,  to areas where  diseases  are less
prevalent  to protect them while they are growing. These areas are
usually less saline and do not provide  the best growth environment.
Low salinity areas rarely  produce a good natural spat set.  Without
seed plantings,  these areas  would not produce continuing harvests.
Seed  areas are currently checked for  disease during  the  fall and
spring disease surveys, prior to being  transplanted  to the  upper
Bay and tributary grow-out areas.

     There is no evidence  that  low levels of  pollution have any
relationship either to susceptibility to the  diseases or to  their
virulence.  There is also very little information that any  habitat
factors  except  salinity  and  temperature,  have any  significant
effects on disease.

                                26

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Fishery Parameters

Status of exploitation:      . Fully exploited.

Long term potential catch:    Highly dependent on  prevalence and
                              intensity  of  diseases,  harvesting
                              and freshets.

Importance of recreational
fishery:                      Insignificant.

Importance of commercial
fishery:                      Historically,   highly  significant;
                              harvests   have   declined   in   the
                              Chesapeake  region,   oysters  still
                              rank nationwide  as  one of  the top
                              seafood species in dockside value.

Fishing mortality rates:      Highly variable.


The Historic Fisheries

     Before the turn  of the century, over  10  million  bushels of
oysters  (which yielded approximately 64 million pounds  of meat)
were  harvested  annually  in Maryland  by a  large dredge  fleet.
Virginia harvests  at  this  time  were  approximately 6-7  million
bushels  (38-45   million  pounds   of  meat),  and  were  harvested
primarily by  hand tongers.  Landings have  declined  dramatically
since that time and continue to show a downward trend.  During the
past 30 years, oyster  harvests  in  Maryland ranged from 3.2 million
bushels  in  1973 to  124,000 bushels in 1993.  In Virginia,  the
harvest of market oysters ranged from 1.9 million bushels in 1964
to 64,500 bushels in 1993.

The Oyster Resource

     The Baywide  oyster stock can  be characterized as  severely
depleted. Recent expansions  of the range of oyster diseases, MSX
and  Dermo,  low  dissolved  oxygen episodes  and  past  harvesting
practices are primarily responsible  for  the population's current
decline. Average levels of spatfall have dropped in the past decade
and the  number  of natural  beds  receiving spatfall  adequate for
replenishment has been reduced from historic levels.  In Maryland,
the 1983 and 1984 spat sets were virtually non-existent.  Although
the 1985 spatfall was  exceptionally high  and well distributed, the
year class has been effectively wiped out in those areas infected
by disease.  Maryland's 1986  spatfall  was  considered average and of
limited  distribution.  Many  of the  1986  year class  have  been
infected by MSX  and  Dermo and may  be killed  if  high  salinities
continue in the  Maryland portion of the Bay. Continued  low levels
and poor geographic distribution of spatfall  levels occurred during

                               27

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1987 and 1988. The 1991 spat set was a record high.

     Since  1985,  the James  River has become  the center  of the
market oyster landings  in Virginia.   The low number of surviving
spat  and decreasing  bushel counts  of  spat,  small,  and  market
oysters, as determined from the VIMS oyster shoal surveys since the
spring of 1986,  indicates that  the James  River  is failing to match
the losses in number of  oysters with  an equal recruitment of spat.
Since  1992,  spat set  in  the  Piankatank,  Great Wicomico  and
Rappahannock Rivers have been at historically low levels.
Laws and Regulations

Limited entry:
Minimum size limit:
Daily catch limit:
Maryland adopted  a  limited entry to the
commercial  fishery,  April  1994,  which
repeals the Delay of Application Process
of September 1, 1988, and allows MDNR to
limit the number  of tidal fish licenses
which may be issued.

Virginia's delayed entry went into effect
December 1, 1992. It requires previously
unlicensed applicants to  wait  two years
after  registering  before  a license to
harvest oysters with commercial gear will
be issued.

On the Potomac  River,  only Maryland and
Virginia   residents  may   commercially
oyster.

Maryland - 3"  with  5% tolerance,  market
oysters  with   small   oysters   or  spat
attached may  be kept if  separating the
small oysters or spat would kill them.

Potomac  River-  3"  with  5%  tolerance,
however,   market   oysters   with   small
oysters  attached must  be  returned  if
separating them kills the  small  oyster
(including spat). High  salinity  areas 2
1/2" minimum and a 4" maximum.

Virginia - Clean cull  areas  - 3". No cull
size for seed areas and leased ground.

Recreational — Maryland,  Potomac River
and Virginia:  no license required for the
taking of one bushel per day from public
grounds.
Commercial — Maryland:  shaft and patent

      28

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Harvest quotas:

Season (actual
restrictions determined
prior to season)
and time
restrictions:
tongs, diving - 15 bushels per licensee,
but not  to exceed 30 bushels  per boat;
dredge boat - 150  bushels per boat; power
dredging   (in  designated   waters   of
Somerset   county)   -  12   bushels  per
licensee but not to exceed 24 bushels per
boat.

Commercial—Potomac River: None.

Commercial — Virginia:  None.

Virginia: variable by season and area.
Maryland - Shaft tongs, patent tongs and
diving: September 15 to March 31, Monday
through  Saturday,  sunrise  to  sunset,
except Worcester County where the season
is  January  1  to December  31,  Monday
through  Saturday,  sunrise  to  sunset.
Dredging:  Sail dredging  in  designated
waters  state-wide,  November 1  to  March
15, Monday through  Saturday,  sunrise to
sunset.  Power  dredging:  in  designated
waters of Somerset County, November 1 to
March   15,   Monday  through   Saturday,
sunrise  to  3  pm.  Private  grounds:  no
seasonal  restrictions,  but  harvesting
between sunset  and  sunrise  or on Sunday
is prohibited.

Potomac River - Hand shaft tongs: October
1 through March 31. Hand  Scrape: Months
of  November, December  and  March.  Hand
tongs, lawful only Monday through Friday
from  sunrise to  12:00 noon  EST.  Hand
scrapes,  lawful  only Monday  through
Thursday   during   March   and   Monday,
Wednesdays and  Fridays during  November
and December from 8:00 a.m. to  12 noon
each day

Virginia  -  Shaft tongs  or hand tongs:
James River Seed Area,  October 1 to July
1,  sunrise  to 12:00  noon.  All  other
public  areas,  October  1  to  June  1,
sunrise to 12:00  noon.  Private grounds,
no seasonal restrictions;  but harvesting

       29

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Gear Restrictions:
on Sunday  or  between sunset and sunrise
is prohibited.
Patent  tongs:  October  1  to  March  1,
sunrise to sunset,  for all public areas
not prohibited by Section 28.1-82 of the
Code of Virginia or VMRC Regulations and
Orders.  October 1  to the  last  day  of
February,  sunrise  to  2  p.m.,   in  the
Piankatank River, Pocomoke Sound/Tangier
and  Chesapeake  Bay  Management  Areas.
Private  grounds,  Sunday  and  sunset  to
sunrise harvesting is prohibited.
Dredge: Pocomoke/Tangier Management Area,
15   November-last   day   of   February
(sunrise-2    P.M.).    Chesapeake   Bay
Management Area, 1  November-last day of
February    (sunrise-2   P.M.).   Private
grounds,   generally   no   restrictions,
except  Sunday  and  sunset  to  sunrise
harvesting  is  prohibited.   Bay   and
tributaries   sunrise  to   12:00  noon;
Seaside -  sunrise to sunset.

Maryland  -  The legal gear  types  for
harvesting  oysters  in Maryland  include
hand tongs,  patent tongs,  diving gear,
handscrapes and dredges.   The use of each
gear  type  is   restricted  to  certain
designated   areas   as   set   forth   in
Maryland's laws and regulations.  Dredges
or handscrapes cannot exceed 200 Ibs.  in
weight or  have  a tooth bar greater than
42 inches in length  (as measured from the
outside teeth)  on  dredges used  on rock
bottom,  or  44  inches  in  length  for
dredges uses  on mud bottom.   No "devil
catch", "devil diver", or similar device
is to be attached to the dredge to steer
it to the  bottom. No power boat may have
on board   or  in tow  any  gear used  for
dredging unless  it  is permitted  by  the
Department to harvest oysters from leased
bottom, from State seed areas,  or unless
it is a sail  dredge  boat  using its yawl
boat on push days.  On Monday and Tuesday
during  the  oyster  dredging  season  a
dredge  boat  may  be  propelled  by  an
auxiliary  yawl  boat  in  certain  areas.
Diving -each person engaged in the diving
operation must be licensed. Not more than
two divers can  work from a boat  at  one
time.  Each diver shall  have one attendant
                               30

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                         on the boat. An International  Code  Flag
                         "A" of the proper  specifications must be
                         displayed. Power assisted lifting devices
                         may   be   used  subject   to   specified
                         conditions.  Hand   tong   winders   are
                         allowed.

                         Potomac River - Patent tongs and power or
                         sail scrapes or dredges, power or hand-
                         operated  winch,  spool, winder,  ets.  are
                         prohibited. Hand scrapes limited  to  22"
                         catching  bar. Diving for  oysters limited
                         to recreational  harvest of 1 bushel  per
                         person per day.  Legal gear  types include
                         hand  shaft tongs,   power  assisted  hand
                         shaft tongs and  hand scrape.

                         Virginia  - Only  one type  of gear,  either
                         hand tongs, patent  tongs  (limit of 2)  or
                         a single  dredge, is allowed on a  vessel
                         at one time  in the  Pocomoke/Tangier  and
                         Chesapeake Bay Management areas. Only one
                         type of gear, either hand tongs or patent
                         tongs  (limit of  2) ,   is  allowed  on  a
                         vessel at one  time in  the Piankatank
                         River Management Area.  Patent tongs  -the
                         teeth of  patent tongs  shall not  exceed
                         four inches in length, and patent tongs
                         exceeding  100  pounds  in  gross  weight,
                         including any attachments (excluding  rope
                         for the taking or catching of  oysters),
                         are prohibited.  Dredge -  a  dredge  and
                         attachment cannot exceed 100 pounds total
                         weight.


Area Restrictions:        Maryland    -  Hand   tongs  are   allowed
                         Statewide,   with    portions    of    most
                         tributaries reserved for hand tongs only.
                         Downstream  of  these  areas,   diving  is
                         allowed.  Patent tongs  are  permitted  in
                         the mainstem Chesapeake  Bay,   the lower
                         Patuxent   River   and  all  of   Somerset
                         County. Power dredging is  restricted  to
                         designated  waters  of  Somerset  County.
                         Sail  dredging  is  restricted  to   the
                         Mainstem  Bay, Tangier Sound, and portions
                         of the Choptank  River.

                         Potomac River -  No  harvest  allowed in 25
                         acre  oyster  sanctuary on  Jones  Shore.
                         Hand tongs, none except sanctuary.  Hand

                                31

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                         scrapes, not  allowed on Jones  Shore or
                         above a  line  from Herring  Creek,  MD to
                         Bonum Creek, VA.

                         Virginia - Only hand tongs are permitted
                         in   most  areas,   with  patent   tongs
                         restricted to  those areas  specified by
                         the Code of Virginia or VMRC Regulations
                         and Orders  (Piankatank River, Chesapeake
                         Bay   and  Pocomoke/Tangier   Management
                         Areas).    Dredging is restricted  to the
                         Pocomoke/Tangier   and   Chesapeake   Bay
                         Management Areas.
Status of Traditional Fishery Management Approaches
Catch-Effort:
Estimates of mortality:
Yield-per-Recruit
(spat survival to
markets):
Stock-Recruitment:
Commercial fisheries data for  Chesapeake
Bay  are a  reasonable indicator  of the
current status  of  the marketable stock.
In  Maryland  and  Virginia,  catch  and
effort  statistics  for  the  commercial
fishery are,  in general,  of low quality
and  of   limited  value   in  developing
fisheries  management  models.  The  PRFC
catch   and   effort   data  are   highly
reliable.

Depends on disease prevalence, freshets,
and harvesting.
Traditionally, very low.
The  stock-recruitment  relationship  for
Chesapeake Bay oysters is unknown.
                               32

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References

Chesapeake  Bay  Program. 1989.  Chesapeake Bay  Oyster Management
     Plan.

Kennedy,  V.S.  1991.  Eastern oyster.  In:  S.L.  Funderburk,  S.J.
     Jordan, J.A. Mihursky,  D.  Riley (eds).  Habitat requirements
     for  Chesapeake  Bay  living  resources,  Chesapeake  Research
     Consortium, Inc., Solomons, Maryland.

Newell, R.I.  1988.  Ecological changes in Chesapeake Bay: Are they
     the result of overharvesting the American oyster, Crassostrea
     virginica?  In:  M.  Lynch  (ed.)  Understanding the  estuary:
     Advances  in Chesapeake Bay  research.  Chesapeake  Research
     Consortium Publication  129:536-546.

Myatt, E.N. and D.O. Myatt,  III.  1990.  A study to determine the
     feasibility  of  building  artificial  reefs  in  Maryland's
     Chesapeake   Bay.  MDNR,   Tidewater   Admin.,    Fish.   Div.
     International Weighmaster, Inc. contract #F167-89-008.

Scientific  and Technical Advisory Committee  (STAC). 1992.  Oyster
     restoration  action agenda.  Living  Resources  Subcommittee,
     Maryland Department  of  Natural Resources, Virginia  Marine
     Resources Commission.

Ulanowicz R.E. and J.H.  Tuttle.   1992. The trophic consequences of
     oyster  stock rehabilitation in  Chesapeake Bay.  Estuaries
     15(3)257-265.
                                33

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         THE ROLE OF
                           X-
    THE STATE OF MARYLAND
              IN
OYSTER FISHERIES MANAGEMENT
        RECOMMENDATIONS
   OF THE GOVERNOR'S COMMITTEE
      TO REVIEW STATE POLICY
          FOR FUNDING
 MARYLAND'S CHESAPEAKE FISHERIES
          SEPTEMBER 1990

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                                SUMMARY

             COMMITTEE TO REVIEW STATE POLICY FOR FUNDING
                    MARYLAND'S CHESAPEAKE FISHERIES

    )
 Charge;   To review the condition of the resource, how DNR manages the
             resource, and the costs and returns of management programs
             to the State economy.
          To recommend future management strategies  and whether the
             State  should subsidize the programs.

 Members;  Dr. M.  Gordon Wolraan, Chairman
          Russel  Dize                   Senator Lewis Riley
          Earaonn  McGeady                Sam  Shriver
          Billy Martin                  Delegate John Slade
          Dr. Roger Newell              Dr.  Ivar Strand
          John  Parran

 Meetings; August  15, 1989 to  August 15,  1990
          Monthly

 Topics Discussed: Watermen's  Compensation Program
                  Freshwater  Hatchery  Program
                  Oyster Repletion  Program

 Reports;  Watermen's Compensation Program - submitted June 1990
          Freshwater Hatchery Program  -  submitted September 1990
          Oyster  Repletion Program  - submitted September 1990,
                  released for distribution May 1991

 Recommendations;

 Watermen's Compensation Program
  * Discontinue the Watermen's Compensation Program  as structured.
  * If data collection needs  are justifiable, institute a  new program
    open to all gualified watermen.

 Freshwater Hatchery Program
  * Continue the  freshwater hatchery program.

 Oyster Repletion  Program and  Oyster Fishery
  * Encourage the public fishery and develop the private fishery.
  * Continue the  repletion program  but increase the  financial
    contribution made by the  industry by  raising license fees and
    oyster taxes. Conversely,  decrease the  General Fund subsidy.
  * Promote scientific rather than  political management.
  * Develop aquaculture by removing various legal impediments,
    increasing the  bottom available  for leasing, and permitting the
    use of the water column.
  * Intensify enforcement.
  * Develop knowledge of oyster pathology,  ecology,  markets.
  * Develop and enforce standard weights, measures,  and minimum
    quality.
  * Scientifically/quantitatively assess  oyster stocks, monitor
    production and  evaluate the quality of oyster beds.
June 1991

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                      MAJOR RECOMMENDATIONS


     The situation in Maryland's oyster industry is dire and the

State must make some crucial changes if the industry is to

rebound.  Recent outbreaks of oyster disease, past mismanagement

and an ever-competitive marketplace have reduced the Maryland

oyster industry and resource to near obscurity.  To restore it to

economic, social and ecological significance, major shifts in

policy must be made.  We recommend that the State of Maryland:
       4

1.  Encourage both the enhancement of the public oyster fishery

    and the development of a private fishery.  Public access to

    natural oyster beds, a part of Maryland's heritage, should be

    sustained by continuing the oyster repletion program.   The

    promise of the private fishery must be encouraged by the

    State through research, permitting processes and law

    enforcement.



2.  Continue to enhance the public fishery through the repletion

    program but insist that an increasing share of its costs be

    borne by the public fishery.   The repletion program is needed

    for production from public beds and the industry alone is
    currently unable to bear the entire cost of the program.

    Current policy should be directed towards generating more tax

    revenue from the public fishery to offset the existing

    subsidy in the repletion program.  Thus,  gradual increases in

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taxes should be instituted with a long-run goal of program



self-sufficiency.  To implement this recommendation, we



suggest that:







a.  The existing severance tax be revised to be a fixed



    percentage of dockside price and increased to reflect the



    resources scarcity.  When established at its present



    level in 1982, the current tax of $.45/bushel represented



    about 5% of the dockside price.  The present tax rate is



    1.8% of the dockside value.  Existing circumstances



    warrant a tax increase to at least the 1982 percentage



    rate.







b.  The export tax be raised from its current level to an



    amount not less than the replacement costs of exported



    shell.  When oysters are exported from Maryland, all



    legal remedies to guarantee the return of shell are lost.



    The replacement cost of the lost shell thus should be



    charged on exports.







c.  The license fees for public harvesters should be raised



    from the current $50 per licensee to $350 per licensee.
    Some of the costs of the repletion program are



    essentially overhead, with benefits accruing to all (for



    example, policing sanctuaries).   Raising license fees



    will assure coverage of fixed costs.

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 3.  Review the industry's legal and regulatory framework with the
    goal of promoting scientific management and enhancing the
    efficiency of public harvesters.  The regulatory framework
    which has accumulated over the last century is unresponsive
    to current circumstances.

 4.  Remove certain legal impediments constraining the production
    of oysters through private aquaculture.  Although there
    appears to be great promise for production from oyster
    aquaculture, it must be encouraged by:

    a.  expanding the bottom available for private leasing;

    b.  establishing a process to permit use of the water column;

    c.  increasing the leasehold fee (from $3.50 annual per acre)
        to provide funds for enforcing leasehold rights and to
        discourage unproductive use of leases.

5.  intensify the enforcement of regulations related to Maryland
    oyster production.   The protection of oyster sanctuaries,
    enforcement of leasehold rights and the collection of taxes
    must be guaranteed to assure equity among industry
    participants and public trust in the programs of the State.

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6.  Increase its knowledge of oyster pathology/ ecology and



    markets.  Oyster diseases have recently plagued the industry.



    A greater understanding of oysters, their diseases and



    alternatives to avoid them is critical in developing plans



    for the future of the industry.  This should be done in



    cooperation with adjacent states, the Potomac River Fisheries



    Commission and the Federal Government.  Likewise, reaching



    aquaculture's potential may only be possible through



    developing new seed technologies, new product forms and new



    markets.







7.  Develop and enforce standard weights, measures and minimum



    quality both to protect consumers and to enhance demand.



    While efforts cannot be completely independent of Federal



    standards,  the State, in conjunction with adjacent states,



    must develop and enforce internally consistent,  replicable



    standards essential to a modern commercial enterprise.



    Quality control of the. oyster product must be guaranteed so



    that consumer perceptions of Maryland's oyster quality are



    maintained  or improved.







8.  Strengthen  its role in assessing oyster stocks,  monitoring



    production  and evaluating the quality of oyster beds.   in



    order to determine policy, appraise programs and assure



    consumer safety,  effort is required to collect,  assimilate



    and analyze data.   Both the public and private fisheries will

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require careful scientific management on the part of the
State.  Use of less political influence and more scientific
information in the allocation of resources within and between
the public and private, fishery is essential.

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                REPORT OF THE "BLUE RIBBON" PANEL

     Prepared in late 1991 by a 33-member advisory panel of
scientists, environmentalists, watermen,  planters, economists,
and others, this report (also, "The Holton Plan") sets forth
issues and recommendations for restoring Virginia's oyster
industry.  Four potential oyster sources are considered:

     •  Traditional state and private culture of C. virginica;
     •  Off-bottom culture in approved waters;
     •  On-bottom culture of a non-native speces  (C. gigas);
     •  On-shore depuration of moderately polluted oysters.

The eight recommendations in the Holton Plan are summarized
below:

     o    Data Collection and Monitoring — The State should
          establish computerized data base systems for detailed
          collection, storage, and analysis of stock assessment
          data and landings data, as well as for detailed moni-
          toring of the Virginia repletion program.

     o    Legislation — The Virginia Marine Resources Commission
          should be empowered to control or limit entry to the
          commercial fishery, enabling the VMRC to protect the
          full-time fishermen and the resource.

     o    Repletion -- The State should establish a repletion
          program for the public fishery, based upon oyster
          biology and river dynamics, and assure  systematic
          monitoring of the program.  The strategy should  include
          programs to:

               Restore two sanctuary reefs in the James and
               Rappahannock rivers, and cover them with seed
               oysters to maintain biological stock close  to
               harvest areas  (adjacent beds);

               Prepare nearby beds to receive spawn from the
               sanctuaries, and  monitor growth,  harvest to quo-
               tas,  close beds,  and repeat;

               Plant  seed  in  low-set areas but with good growth
               potential,  in  the Mobjack  River and  the  Pocomoke-
               Tangier areas; monitor, harvest,  close,  and re-
               peat.

           Initially,  this  should be a three-year program,  with
           thorough data  collection and monitoring,  followed by  an
           evaluation of  the  repletion strategy.

      0     Market Evaluation and Development  -- Commission  a joint
           effort with the  Virginia Institute of  Marine  Science
           (VIMS)  and Virginia Tech to examine the marketing

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potential of current oyster products, and possible new
product lines, including depurated oysters.  In addi-
tion/ there should be a joint industry-academic study
to evaluate current state-funded marketing programs and
recommend new or expanded marketing strategies for
Virginia seafood products.  Finally, a marketing and
economics advisory agent should be appointed through
VIMS to develop economic markets for off-bottom cul-
tured oysters, and to work closely with aquaculturists
and others in the industry.

Off-Bottom Culture — The State should identify areas
as appropriate, marginal, or non-appropriate for aqua-
culture (VIMS), and establish regulations and a permit-
ting process for off-bottom oyster culture (VMRC).  To
encourage start-up of private hatcheries, VIMS should
draft model tax incentive legislation.  A technical
advisory agent shold be appointed through VIMS, who
will specialize in hatchery matters.

Depuration — The VMRC should estimate oyster stocks
and potential daily supplies of clean and depurable
oysters from public and private sources, both on- and
off-bottom, supplies that will support year-round
depuration plant operations.  After a complete economic
analysis of such a facility (VIMS),  cooperating State
agencies should design a pilot plant.  If economic
analyses warrant, the State should establish a public-
private partnership to construct an experimental depu-
ration facility, and design a fee system to make it
self-supporting.

Management of Public Grounds — This recommendation
addresses specific management steps for the James and
Rappahannock rivers, Pocomoke/Tangier sounds, Seaside
Eastern Shore, Mobjack Bay, and the Piankatank and
Great Wicomico rivers.  Included in these specific
steps are limits on shaft length of tongs, quotas,
changes in cull length, increases in sanctuary size,
new repletion strategies, and harvest prohibitions in
some areas.

Introduction of Non-Native Species -- The State (VIMS)
should conduct full laboratory tests of Crassostrea
gigas,  investigating temperature and salinity toleranc-
es, as well as ecological relationships.  If prelimi-
nary tests warrant,  a pilot study in the York River
should be established to evaluate C. gigas'  ability to
grow and reproduce in a natural Bay environment.   These
studies should include evaluations of disease resis-
tance.   Based on success of preliminary studies,  C.
      sanctury reefs should be expanded.

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A SUMMARY OF THE MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES




                          1993 OYSTER PROGRAM








   An Index of Survey and Program Sites, Available Data and Reports, and Source Contacts
                Prepared by Maryland Department Of Natural~Resources




                            Tidewater Administration




                        Fisheries Division, Shellfish Program




                                 April, 1994

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       This report includes, by location, the 1993 effort associated with various surveys and management



programs conducted by Maryland's Department of Natural Resources Shellfish Group. These are indexed



by program and by the location of data files. A substantial amount of this information is stored on



computer files and these are  noted in this report. Data source contacts and a brief description of each



program are included. Computer stored data are kept on the following software packages:




Spreadsheet: Quattro Pro 5.0 for Dos and for Window and Axum 3.0.




Database: dBase III* and IV, mBase, and Paradox 1.5.




GIS: Map info for Windows.

-------
 REGION

 UPPER BAY EAST
 CHESTER RIVER:
 UPPER CHESTER
LOWER CHESTER
KENT SHORE
MILES RIVER
WYE RIVER
EASTERN BAY:
NORTH
 OYSTER BAR

 DEEP SHOAL
 TOLCHESTER
 HODGES
 SWANP01NT
SHEEP
EMORYHOLLOW
SPANIARD POINT
CUFF
EBB POINT
DRUM POINT
BOATHOUSE
OLDFIELD
CHESTER RIVER MIDDLEGROUND
BLUFFPOINT
HELL'S DELIGHT
BAY BUSH POINT
PINEY POINT
DURDIN
HORSERACE
CARPENTER ISLAND

BUOY ROCK
WICKES BEACH
LOVE POINT

BROAD CREEK
BRICK HOUSE
GRAVEYARD (KENTPOINT)

LONG POINT
SECOND POINT
ASH CRAFT
HERRING ISLAND
COFFEE
TURTLEBACK

WHETSTONE
MILLS
BRUFFS ISLAND
BUGBY
MILL HILL
BALD EAGLE ADDITION #3
SAWMILL CREEK
HOOD
WELL COVE
WALTER WHITE
DOMINION
PARSON'S ISLAND NARROWS ADDITION
PROGRAM
DATA CONTACT
FS
FS
FS;SA
MFSD;SA;FT;SSRP3
FS;SA
FS;SA
FS;FT;SSRP1
FS;SSRP1
FS;SSRP1
FS
FS;SSRP1
MFSD;SA;SSRP1
FS;SSRP1
FS;SSRP1
FS;SSRPl
FS
FS;FT;SSRP1
FS;SSRP1
FS;SA;SSRP1
FS;SA
MFSD;SA;FT
FS;SSRP1
FS;FT;SSRP1
FS
FS;SA
FS
MFSD
FS
MFS
FS
FS
MFSD
FS
FS
MFSD
MFSD
FS
FS;SSRP3
FS
FS;SSRP3
FS
FS
FS
FS;SA
MA
MA
MA;PP
OXL;PP;PP;TA
MA;PP
MA;PP
MA;PP;TA
MA;TA
MA;TA
MA
MA;TA
OXL;PP;TA
MA'TA
MA;TA
MA;TA
MA
MA;PP;TA
MA;TA
MA;PP;TA
MA;PP
OXL;PP;PP
MA;TA
MA;PP;TA
MA
MA;PP
MA
OXL
MA
OXL
MA
MA
OXL
MA
MA
OXL
OXL
MA
MA;TA
MA
MA;TA
MA
MA
MA
MA;PP

-------
 REGION
 EASTERN BAY NORTH (cont)
 SOUTH
 WYE RIVER
MILES RIVER
TALBOT SHORE
POPLAR ISLAND NARROWS
 OYSTER BAR
 PARSON'S ISLAND
 CEDAR ISLAND
 TURKEY POINT
 JONES HOLE
 RINGOLD MIDDLEGROUND
 WILD GROUND
 HOLLICUTTS NOOSE

 TILGHMANS POINT
 COOPERS HOLLOW

 WHETSTONE
 MILLS
 BRUFFS ISLAND

 LONG POINT
 SECOND POINT
 ASH CRAFT
 HERRING  ISLAND
 TURTLEBACK
 COFFEE
POPLAR ISLAND
STONEROCK

SHELL HILL
PROGRAM
MFSD;SA
FS
FS
FS
FS
MFS
MFSD;SA
FS
FS;SA
FS
FS
MFSD
MFSD
FS
MFS
FS
MFSD
FS
FS
MFSD;SA*
DATA CONTACT
OXL;PP
MA
MA
MA
MA
OXL
OXL;PP
MA
MA;PP
MA
MA
OXL
OXL
MA
OXL
MA
OXL
MA
MA
OXL;PP
MFS
                                                                                  OXL
CHOPTANK RIVER:
UPPER CHOPTANK
MIDDLE CHOPTANK
DRUM POINT
CABIN CREEK ENTRANCE
CABIN CREEK
SPAR BUOY
TANNERS PATCH
JAMAICA POINT
DKON
MILL DAM
GOOSE POINT
BRITISH HARBOUR
OYSTER SHELL POINT
CHANCELLORS POINT
BLACK BUOY
STATES BANK
SUGAR LOAF
SHOAL CREEK
BOUNBROKE SANDS

GREEN MARSH
KIRBY
HAMBROOKS
DICKINSON
SANDY HILL
SANDY HILL ADDITION
FS;SA*;SSRP4
SA';SSRP4
FS;SA;FT;SSRP4
SA
FS:SA;SSRP4
SA*    ~
FS;SA;SSRP5
FS;SA;FT;SSRP3;SSRP5
SA'
SA
MFSD;SA;FT
SA*
FS.FT
SA*
SA*
FS;SA*
FS:SA*

FS;SA"
FS;SA*
SA'
FS
MFSD;SA;FT
SA
MA;PP;TA
PP;TA
MA;PP;PP;TA
PP
MA;PP;TA
PP
MA;PP;TA
MA;PP;PP;TA;TA
PP
PP
OXL;PP:PP
PP
f.lA;PP
PP
PP
MA;PP
MA;PP

MA;PP
MA;PP
PP
MA
OXL;PP;PP
PP

-------
 REGION
 MIDDLE CHOPTANK (cant)
 LOWER CHOPTANK
 TRED AVON RIVER
 BROAD CREEK
 HARRIS CREEK
 TRIPPESBAY
LITTLE
CHOPTANK RIVER
 OYSTER BAR
 HOWELLS POINT
 HORNS POINT ADDITION
 BEACONS
 CHLORA POINT

 LIGHTHOUSE
 CHOPTANK LUMPS
 TODD POINT
 DAWSON
 FRANCE
 COOK'S POINT

 DOUBLE MILLS
 PECK'S POINT
 TOWN POINT
 STONE CHURCH
 FOXHOLE
 BACHELOR POINT

 MULBERRY PONT
 DEEPNECK
 BROWN
 GREATBAR
 ROYSTON
 IRISH CREEK

 LTTTLENECK
 MILL POINT
 EAGLE POINT (LOMAX)
 CHANGE
 TILGHMAN WHARF
 GREAT MARSH

 BRANNOCK
 BRANNOCK ADDITION
 DIAMOND
 HILLS POINT NORTH
                          TOWN POINT
                          GRAPEVINE
                          BUTTERPOT
                          CASON
                          SUSQUEHANNA
                          SLAUGHTER CREEK
                          CATORS
                          RAGGED POINT
                          PEANUT HILL
                          CEDAR COVE
                          LITTLE CHOPTANK
PROGRAM
FS;SA*
FS
FS;SA*
FS;SA*
DATA CONTACT
MA;PP
MA
MA;PP
MA;PP
MFSD;SA*
SA*
FS
FS;SA
FS;SA*
MFSD;SA
MFSD
FS
FS;SA*
FS
FS;SA
FS;SA*
SAS
MFSD
FS
FS
MFSD
FS;SA*
FS
SA*;SAS
MFS
SA*
MFSD
FS;SSRP3
SA
SA
FS
FS
FS;SAS
FS
FS
MFSD
FS
FS
FS
MFSD;SAS
SAS
SAS
SAS
OXL;PP
PP
MA
MA;PP
MA.-PP
OXL;PP
OXL
MA
MA;PP
MA
MA;PP
MA;PP
MA/OXL
OXL
MA
MA
OXL
MA;PP
MA
PP'.MA/OXL
OXL
PP
OXL
MA;TA
PP
PP
MA
MA
MA;MA/OXL
MA
MA
OXL
MA
MA
MA
OXL; MA/OXL
MA
MA
MA
DORCHESTER SHORE
PUNCH ISLAND CREEK
                                 FS
                                                                              MA

-------
 REGION
 HONG A RIVER
 HOOPER STRAITS
 HOLLAND STRAITS
 KEDGES STRAITS
 TANGIER SOUND:
 UPPER
 MIDDLE
LOWER
 OYSTER BAR
 TUBMAN'S DRAIN
 SMOKE POINT
 LAKES COVE
 WINDMILL
 LONG POINT
 NORMAN ADDITION*!

 LIGHTHOUSE
 HOOPER STRAITS ADDITIONS

 HOLLAND STRAITS WEST
 HOLLAND STRAITS

 OYSTER CREEK
 WESTERN ISLANDS
 KEDGES STRAIT
 SHARKFIN SHOAL
 HAINES
 MUD ROCK
 HOLLAND STRAITS

 TURTLE EGG ISLAND
 CHAIN SHOAL
 MUSSEL HOLE
 GRAVEYARD
 PINEY ISLAND WEST
 PINEY ISLAND EAST
 HARRIS ADDITION
 FLACK COVE (BACK COVE)
 TERRAPIN SANDS INNER ADDITION
 TERRAPIN SANDS INNER

 OLDWOMANSLEG
 GREAT ROCK
PROGRAM
FS
FS
FS;SA*
MFS;SA*
FS
MFSD;MS
FS
FS
FS
MFSD
FS
SAS;SSRP2
SAS
MFSD;SA;MS
FS
FS
FS
MFS
FS;SA'
FS
£4*
FS
MFSD;SA';MS
FS
MFSD;SA';SSRP2
FS
FS;SA*
MFSD;SSRP3
MFS
DATA CONTACT
MA
MA
MA;PP
OXL;PP
MA
OXL.-MA
MA
MA
MA
OXL
MA
MA;TA
MA
OXL;PP;MA
MA
MA
MA
OXL
MA;PP
MA
PP
MA
OXL;PP;MA
MA
OXL;PP;TA
MA
MA;PP
OXUTA
OXL
FISHING BAY
NANTICOKEAND
WICOMICO RIVERS
HALF-WAY MARK
HILL
OLD HOUSE
GOOSE CREEK
WARE SANDS
TEDIOUS CREEK
CLAY ISLAND
EVANS

UPPER STAKE
WETIPQUIN
HICKORY NUT
CEDAR SHOAL
LONG SHOAL
CHERRY TREE
OUTER HOLE
FS
FS
FS
MFSD
SA
FS
MFS
FS
MS
MFS;MS
FS;SSRP1
FS;SA
FS
FS
SA
MA
MA
MA
OXL
PP
MA
OXL
MA
MA
OXL;MA
MA;TA
MA;PP
MA
MA
PP

-------
 REGION
 NANTICOKEAND
 WICOMICO RIVERS (cant)
 MANOKINRIVER
 BIG
 ANNEMESSEX RIVER

 LITTLE
 ANNEMESSEX RIVER

 POCOMOKESOUND
LOWER BAY EAST
 UPPER BAY WEST
UPPER ANNE
ARUNDEL SHORE
LOWER ANNE
ARUNDEL SHORE
 OYSTER BAR
 BEAN SHOAL
 WILSON SHOALS
 ROARING POINT EAST
 MIDDLEGROUND
 MOUNT VERNON
 GREATSHOALS
 EVANS
 HALLS POINT
 WHITE SHOALS

 GEORGES
 MARSHYISLAND
 DRUM POINT
 PINEY ISLAND SU'ASH
 MINE CREEK
 BIG ANNEMESSEX
 OLD HOUSE COVE

 MARUMSCO
 GUNBY
 FLAT ROCK
 WARE ROCK
 TERRAPIN LEAD
 OLD ROCKS

 CHURCH CREEK
 FOG POINT

 COAL LUMP
 GALES LUMPS
 MAN-O-WAR SHOALS

 BODKIN POINT NORTH
 SEVEN FOOT KNOLL
 SK FOOT KNOLL
 CRAIGHILL LUMPS
 MOUNTAIN POINT
 OUTER MAGOTHY

 SANDY POINT SOUTH
HACKETT POINT
 TOLLY POINT
 THOMAS POINT NORTH
 THREE SISTERS
 WILD GROUND
HOLLAND POINT
PROGRAM
FS
MFS;SA;MS
FS
MFS
MFS
FS
MFS;SA
FS;SA
FS;SSRP3

MFSD
FS
MFS
FS
FS
FS
FS

MFSD
MFS
FS
FS
FS
FS
DATA CONTACT
MA
OXL;PP;MA
MA
OXL
OXL
MA
OXL.PP
MA'PP
MA;TA

OXL
MA
OXL
MA
MA
                                                     MA
MA

OXL
OXL
MA
MA
MA
MA
FS
SAS;SSRP2
FS
FS;SA
FS;SA";FT
HS
FS;SA'
FS;FT
FS.'SSRPI
MFS;FT
FS
FS;FT
MFSD;SA;FT;SSRP1
FS;SSRP1
FS;SSRP1
MFS;SSRP1
FS
MFSD
MA
MA/OXL:TA
MA
MA;PP
MA;PP;PP
PP
MA;PP
MA;PP
MA;TA
OXL;PP
MA;PP
MA;PP
OXL;PP;PP;TA
MA;TA
MA;TA
OXL'JA
MA
OXL
SEVERN RIVER
FERRY POINT
                                                            HS
                                                                               TA

-------
 REGION
 SOUTH RIVER
 UPPER CALVERT SHORE
 LOWER CALVERT SHORE
 PATUXENT RIVER:
 UPPER
 MIDDLE
 LOWER
ST. MARTS SHORE
POTOMAC RIVER:
UPPER
MIDDLE
 OYSTER BAR
 THUNDER AND LIGHTNING
 SWAN REEF
 MARSHY POINT

 HOG POINT ADDITION
 FLAG POND

 LITTLE COVE POINT
 SIMMONS
 HOG ISLAND
 HOLLAND POINT
 BUZZARD ISLAND
 BROAD NECK
 THOMAS
 PRISON POINT
 JACKS MARSH

 BROOME ISLAND
 GATTON

 HELLEN
 HAWKSNEST
 BARN GATES
 HUNGERFORD HOLLOW
 BACK OF THE ISLAND
 TOWN CREEK
 SANDY POINT LUMPS
 SWASH
 SOUTHEAST MIDDLEGROUND

 CEDAR POINT HOLLOW
 ROCKY BEACH
 SHAVING PILE ADDITION
 BUTLER
 POINT LOOK-OUT
BEACON
POPES CREEK
PASCAHANNA
LOWER CEDAR POINT
SWAN POINT
STONY POINT
WATSONS
COLONIAL BEACH
GUM
OLD FARMS

COBB ISLAND
SHEEPSHEAD BAY
HERON ISLAND
PROGRAM
SAS
FS
FS

FS
MFSD

FS;SA*
FS;SA*
MFSD;SA
DATA CONTACT
TA
MA
MA

MA
OXL

MA;PP
MA;PP
OXL;PP
FS
FS
FS
FS
FS
FS
MFSD
FS
FS
FS
SA*
FS
MFS
FS
SA*;HS
FS
FS;SSRP3
FS
FS
FS
MFSD;SA
SAS;SSRP2
FS;FT
FS;FT
FS;SA*;FT
MFSD;SA*;FT;SAS
FS;SA';FT
FS
FS
FS
FS
FS
FS;SA*
FS;SAS
FS
MA
MA
MA
MA
MA
MA
OXL
MA
MA
MA
PP
MA
OXL
MA
PP;PP
MA
MA;TA
MA
MA
MA
OXL
PP;TA
MA;PP
MA;PP
MA;PP;PP
OXL;PP;PP;MA/OXL
MA;PP;PP
MA
MA
MA
MA
MA
MA;PP
MA;MA/OXL
MA

-------
 REGION                  OYSTER BAR
 POTOMAC RIVER MIDDLE (com)  KINGSCOPSICO
                           MUGGINS POINT
                           POSEYS BLUFF
                           COLES POINT
                           RAGGED POINT
                           BLAKE CREEK
 LOWER
 WICOMICO RIVER
ST CLEMENTS AND
BRETON BAYS
ST MARY'S RIVER:
UPPER
LOWER
ST. GEORGES CREEK
 PINEY POINT HOLLOW (PINEY POINT)
 ST. GEORGES ISLAND
 KITTS
 JONES SHORE
 CORNFIELD HARBOR
 BONUMS
 LYNCH POINT
 THICKETPOINT
 HOG ISLAND
 GREATNECK

 KEY
 STODDARD
 COHOUCK
 CHAPTICO LUMPS
 MILLS WEST
 WINDMILL
 BRAMLEIGH CREEK
 WHITE POINT
 LANCASTER
 ROCK POINT
 MOUTH OF RIVER
 ST. CATHERINE
 SILVER SPRING

 GUEST MARSHES
 ABELL
 BLACK WALNUT
 BLUE SOW
 DUKEHART CHANNEL
HORSESHOE
PAGAN
SEMINARY
GRAVELLYRUN

COPPAGE
THOMPSON CREEK
CHERRY
CHICKEN COCK

HURDLE
PINEY POINT AOJJACULTVRE LEASE
PROGRAM
FS
FS
FS
FS
MFSD;SA
FS
FS
FS
FS;SAS
SA*;SAS
MFSD;SA;HS
FS
FS
FS
FS
FS
FT;SA"
FS'.SA'-.FT
SA*;FT
FS
MFSD;SA*
FS;SA*;SSRP3
FS;SA*
FS;SA*
MFSD;SA";FT
FS-.SSRP1
FS;SA*
FS;FT;SSRP1
FS
FS
FS
MFS
MFS
MFS
FS
MFSD
SAS;HS
SAS
FS
FS
FS
MFSD.SA
FS
SAS
DATA CONTACT
MA
MA
MA
MA
OXL;PP
MA
MA
MA
MA;MA/OXL
PP-.MA/OXL
OXL;PP;PP
MA
MA
MA
MA
MA
PP;PP
MA;PP;PP
PP;PP
MA
OXL;PP
MA;PP;TA
MA;PP
MA;PP
OXL;PP;PP
MA;TA
MA;PP
MA;PP;TA
MA
MA
MA
OXL
OXL
OXL
MA
OXL
MA/OXL;MA
MA/OXL
MA
MA
MA
OXL;PP
MA
PP
                                                    8

-------
REGION
SMITH CREEK
CHINCOTEAGUEBAY:
UPPER
LOWER
OYSTER BAR
GRAVES
BARNES POINT
CALVERTBAY
SOUTH POND
SOUTH POND ADDITION
HANDYS HAMMOCK
LAMBERSTON LANDING
ENNIS
TURPIN
ROBINS MARSH
ROBINS MARSH ADDITION
SCARBORO CREEK ADDITION
NEWPORT

DIAMOND
MARTONPOINT
KENNEL
TOBY
WHITEROCK
STRIKING MARSH
PROGRAM
FS
FS
SAS
COS
COS
COS
COS
COS
COS
COS
COS
COS

COS
COS
COS
COS
COS
COS
DATA CONTACT
MA
MA
MA
PP
PP
PP
PP
PP
PP
PP
PP
PP

PP
PP
PP
PP
PP
PP

-------
Key to Program Abbreviations.
Abbreviation
FS

MFS (MFSD)

SA (SA*)


FT
MS

HS

SAS

COS

SSRP:
l-Seed Planting;
2- Dredged Shell Planting;
3-Freih Shell Planting;
4 -Pollute Planting, Source
5 -Pollute Plantin,
Location.
Program Name
Annual Fall Survey.

Modified Fall Survey
(Disease Survey).
Oyster Stock
Assessment Program.

Freshet Watch Survey
Oyster Mortality
Survey
Oyster Habitat
Survey
Seed Area Survey

Chincoteague Bay
Shellfish Inventory
Seed and Shell
Repletion Program.





Site
Baywide, 300 to 400
oyster bars.
Baywide, 64 "key"
bars, 43 disease bars.
Baywide, 20,000 to
30,000 acres
annually.
Baywide, 18 bars.
Lower Bay, 10-12
oyster bars.
Baywide, site number
highly variable.
Baywide, variable
number of sites.
Coastal Bays, 2,300
acres of oyster bars.
Baywide, highly
variable number of
sites.




Sampling Period
Oct.- Nov.

Oct.- Nov.

March- Nov.;
SA* lists surveys
prior to 1993.
May- July
June- Aug.

March- Dec.

Spring and Fall
—
April- Nov.

April- Aug.






Sampling Gear
Oyster dredge.

Oyster dredge.

Patent tongs.


Oyster dredge.
Oyster dredge.

Dredge, patent
tongs, acoustics.
Oyster dredge.

Hydraulic clam
escalator, handscrape
Plantings made by
various vessels.





                                          10

-------
Key to Data Contact Abbreviations.
       ABBREVIATION
                                                 DATA CONTACT
                                      LOCATION
                             PERSON/PHONE NUMBER
             MA
Matapeake Terminal, Fisheries




         Division.
        Roy Scott/




      410-643-6785.
             PP
   Piney Point Aquaculture




 Center, Fisheries Division.
      Mark Homer/




      301-994-0214.
             TA
  Tawes Building, Fisheries




         Division.
William Outten, Chris Judy/




      410-974-3733.
            OXL
    Cooperative Oxford




 Laboratory, Chesapeake Bay




  Research and Monitoring




         Division.
 Steve Jordan, Gary Smith,




     George Krantz/




      410-226-0078.
                                          11

-------
                             SYNOPSIS OF OYSTER PROGRAMS




 Fall Survey




        Initiated in 1939, this survey was designed to provide geographically extensive information on




 the quality of oyster populations and habitat and to assess spatset. During most years, between 300 and




 400 oyster bars are sampled as are numerous seed and shell planting sites. Since 1960, the Oyster Disease




 Survey has been concurrent with the Fall Survey and in 1990 the Modified fall Survey (see below) was




 implemented. Samples are collected from oyster dredge tows with data recorded from 0.5 bushel (26 liter)




 subsamples. Records include the number of live spat, smalls, and markets, the number and stage of dead




 oysters (boxes), conditional oyster data, and the extent and  type of fouling on bottom material. In




 addition, live oyster size ranges and averages are noted, as are water quality data, the type of sample site,




 ie. natural, planted with seed, etc., and the geographical position of the sample. A summary of spatfall




 and oyster parasite data are included in an annual Fall Survey report. Data records are kept on file at the




 Matapeake Terminal.




 Modified Fall Survey/Disease Survey




        The Modified Fall  Survey focuses on  a subset of  64 oyster bars that are annually surveyed.




 Sampling on these  sites involves the collection of 5 independent 0.2 bushel replicate samples. From each




 of the 5 samples data are recorded on the number of spat,  shell heighT measurements of each live and




 dead  oyster (grouped into  5mm  interval categories),  and the stage of  each  oyster box. Additional




 information  as described for the Fall Survey are taken from a pooled sample. At the Disease Survey




 locations, a subset  of 43 of the "key" bars, 30+ oysters >50mm are randomly selected and shipped to




the Cooperative Oxford Laboratory for disease  analysis. Data from the Modified Fall Survey and from




the Disease  Survey are stored in database files  linked to a GIS at the Oxford facility. Data from these




surveys are included  in an annual report.
                                              12

-------
 Oyster Stock Assessment Program




        Using a 1m2 patent long-based, randomly initiated systematic sampling scheme, this program




 obtains unbiased estimates of oyster abundance and shell quantity. Since its implementation in  1990, this




 monitoring program has surveyed over 50,000 acres of charted oyster bottom in Maryland's Chesapeake




 Bay. Field records include the stations (corrected) latitude and longitude estimates of the number and




 volume of live and spat, smalls, and markets per unit area, the size class distribution of live and dead




 oysters, volumetric estimates, per unit area, of surface and subsurface (gray) oyster shell, softclam shell,




 recurved mussel shell, and live tunicates, and bottom type and depth. Between 30 and 40 different oyster




 bars are surveyed each year, with a subset of 15 oyster bars monitored on an annual basis.  Between 5,000




 and 10,000 acres of oyster grounds previously surveyed  in 1975 using similar sampling techniques are




 resurveyed. Data are stored at the Piney Point facility on  spreadsheet and database files linked to a GIS.




 Annual reports are prepared for the Oyster Stock Assessment Program.




 Winter 1993 Freshet Survey




        Following the unusually wet winter of 1993, a survey was initiated during May, 1993 to track




 freshet related  oyster mortality. Sampling was conducted using a handscrape on oyster bars in the




 Potomac,  Wicomico, Chester,  and Choptank Rivers and in the Upper Bay. The Eastern Shore tributary




 and Upper Bay oyster populations were sampled once, as the freshet was relatively shortlived in these




 areas. The Potomac and Wicomico Rivers were surveyed intensively, every ten days, over a two month




period as  freshet effects  in these systems  persisted. Data recorded included  the  number of live spat,




smalls, and markets and  the number and stage of spat, smalls, and market boxes. Conditional oyster




information was kept along with water quality data and size range information. Interval and cumulative




oyster mortality was calculated. All data were entered and stored in spreadsheet and database files at the




Piney Point facility and two reports were prepared.
                                              13

-------
Ovster Mortality Survey




        Previously referred to as the "bay Peak", this effort generally takes place during the summer




months. It's purpose is to provide an early check on the status of oyster parasite infection and related




oyster mortality rates. The biological data are kept on file at the Matapeake Terminal with oyster disease




information entered and stored at the Oxford Laboratory.




Habitat Surveys




        These are special surveys made when issues arise over the use or proposed use of oyster bottom.




Generally dredge-based,  these surveys have also  used patent tongs, hand  tongs, and acoustic gear to




assess oyster populations and habitat.  Survey results are generally included in reports or memos with




some data stored  on computer files. Field data are kept at the Tawes Building, while computer file




records are stored at the Piney Point facility.




Seed Area Surveys
                                                                                 M



        During the Annual Fall Survey, seed oyster, dredged shell, and fresh shell  planting sites are




surveyed to provide information on the biological status of seed oysters from  shell and hatchery plantings.




These data are on file at the Matapeake Terminal with disease data stored in the oyster database located




at the Oxford facility. Seed tracking information is included in the annual Fall Survey report.




Chincoteague Bay Shellfish Inventory                            ~~




        In 1993, a program was initiated to survey shellfish resources in Maryland's coastal bays. During




the first year, surveys were conducted on hardclam beds using a commercial hydraulic escalator dredge.




Numerous  sampling locations were on previously  charted  oyster bottom allowing for the accumulation




of data on the current structural status of these areas. In 1994, a more focused effort on the old oyster




bars is scheduled with handscrape samples to be collected from most of these sites. In addition, surveys




of the intertidal zones are planned.  All data are stored at the Piney Point facility in spreadsheet and




database files linked to a Gis. Quarterly and annual reports are prepared.






                                                14

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Seed and Shell Repletion Program




        Since 1961, Maryland has conducted a program to rehabilitate oyster bars through the planting




of dredged and fresh oyster shell, the planting of seed oysters set on dredged shell, and the translocation




of "pollute", oysters from areas of elevated fecal  coliform counts. Records are kept of all Repletion




Program activities including dredged and fresh shell planting quantities and sites, the source, destination,




and quantity of seed and "pollute" oysters, and associated costs. These records are kept on file at the




Tawes Building and are included in an annual Seed and Shell Program report.
                                               15

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Appendix IV

A Summary of the Virginia Marine Resources Commission 1993 Oyster
Repletion Program.

Fall Dredge and Patent Tong Survey

     A fall dredge survey has  been  used by the Repletion Program
for  many years  to provide  a qualitative  assessment  of  oyster
populations.  Usually  150 to 200 oyster bars are sampled throughout
Virginia's  Bay  and tributaries  and the  seaside of  the Eastern
Shore.  Sampling  efforts provide information on bottom condition
and  water  quality,  qualitative oyster  population  data, spatset,
mortality rates, and meat condition.

     In 1993, a patent tong-based oyster stock assessment program
was initiated in Virginia.   This assessment provides quantitative
estimates of oyster abundance and  shell  quantity that will provide
a statistically  evaluated  database for  future  oyster management
decisions.   Most of the actively harvested oyster rocks  in the
James  and  Rappahannock  Rivers  were  sampled  in  1993.   Future
sampling efforts will  include  all oyster production areas of the
state.

Seed and Shell Repletion Program

     Virginia has  had  a  repletion fund  for  the  replenishment of
oyster beds since 1928.  During the past 15 years expenditures have
varied  from  $660,000 to   $1,590,000   for  oyster  replenishment
activities.   In  1993  (Table  1)  Virginia planted  approximately
500,000 bushels of shell and 12,000 bushels of seed.  Several new
programs  were   also   initiated   in   1993,   which   included  the
construction of  two oyster  reef  areas,  experiments  in methods to
produce disease-free seed oysters in  a  natural  situation and the
evaluation  of  a hydraulic  excavating  machine to  recover buried
cultch material from old  oyster bars.  The total 1993 expenditures
were over $686,000 with $426,000 contributed  from the General Fund
and  $250,000  from Special  Funds derived  from  oyster  taxes and
permit and dredging fees.

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