In the face of looming state budget cuts, Maryland advocates and oyster growers demonstrated the critical importance of restoration and natural resource funding by serving fresh, local oysters to legislators on Lawyer’s Mall in Annapolis on March 18.
Dozens of lawmakers and members of the Moore administration attended and enjoyed raw and roasted oysters grown by Maryland aquaculture businesses from various parts of the state, including Dorchester and St. Mary’s Counties. The event was hosted by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) and Chesapeake Oyster Alliance (COA), a coalition of more than 100 non-profits, academic institutions, oyster growers, and other businesses, with a goal to add 10 billion oysters to the Chesapeake Bay by the end of 2025.
Oysters are the bedrock of the Chesapeake Bay and a natural water filter. A single adult oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water a day. However, as Maryland faces a historic $3 billion budget deficit, critical funding sources for oyster restoration, the aquaculture industry, and Chesapeake Bay recovery are at risk.
In early March, the Department of Legislative Services recommended significant cuts to environmental programs including the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays 2010 Trust Fund and Clean Water Commerce program. These programs inject money directly into communities and businesses that help get more oysters in the water, reduce pollution, and create more resilient communities.
“Despite current budget challenges, we cannot risk backsliding on Maryland’s promise to clean up the Bay and its tributaries,” said Allison Colden, CBF Maryland Executive Director. “Steep funding cuts to key environmental programs could jeopardize water quality progress, as well as jobs and investments in our Chesapeake economy.”
For example, the Clean Water Commerce program is a funding source that many aquaculture growers rely on. This program compensates businesses that demonstrate tangible water quality results, such as growing oysters in local waterways.
“Protecting the Chesapeake Bay's health is of paramount importance. We have made significant progress, and it is crucial that we continue to safeguard our state's future by maintaining funding for vital programs such as the Clean Water Commerce Fund,” said Johnny Shockley, founder of Blue Oyster Environmental aquaculture company, who participated in the Oyster Lobby Day event.
Other participating growers included Madhouse Oysters, Double “T” Oyster Ranch, and Shore Thing Shellfish.
“Aquaculture growers are a critical part of the oyster restoration process,” said Tanner Council, COA Senior Manager. “These businesses put more oysters into the water, supply recycled oyster shells that help us grow new oysters, and amplify the economic and environmental benefits of local, fresh seafood.”
The oyster aquaculture industry is rapidly growing in Maryland, with more than $13.3 million in economic output in 2023 alone. But this progress is at risk if the General Assembly decides to accept the recommended environmental budget cuts.
In addition to fighting for these programs, event attendees advocated for various oyster-related bills currently under consideration in the General Assembly. They include:
- Support for Governor Moore’s Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act (HB506/SB428), which modernizes fisheries management and streamlines aquaculture leasing;
- Opposition for bills which would weaken penalties for oyster poachers (HB893/SB76), limit expansion of the aquaculture industry (HB1263/SB841), and would prohibit the state from accepting federal funding for oyster sanctuary restoration (HB1022/SB827).
CBF urges legislators to reject further environmental cuts and support Governor Moore’s original budget proposal for the environment. Learn more about what CBF is advocating for in the Maryland state budget here.
Maryland Communications & Media Relations Manager, CBF
[email protected]
443-482-2023
