More Good News On Oysters

Chesapeake Bay Mag, MD Oyster Survey Finds “Once In A Generation” Widespread Spat

The Maryland fall oyster survey finds juvenile oysters, or spat, are thriving throughout the Bay—including in several areas where they have rarely been seen in nearly 40 years.

Both the number of spat and the widespread distribution of them throughout Bay waters are particularly encouraging, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The survey results were announced at DNR’s Jan. 9 Oyster Advisory Commission meeting.

DNR Secretary Josh Kurtz calls the survey results “outstanding,” saying, “We have not recorded this extent of oyster spat recruitment in the fall survey in a generation.”

The Fall Oyster Survey determines the year’s the spatfall intensity index, which measures oysters’ reproductive success and their potential for population growth. This year’s index was 86.8 spat per bushel, nearly four times the 39-year median index of 23.6. This year’s index is the fifth highest in all 39 years.

 

It’s the fourth year in a row that the fall survey index has been ticking higher than the median. It gives hope to state, local and nonprofit partners’ restoration efforts.

In addition to the spatfall intensity index, DNR looks at where the spat are concentrated. In 1997, DNR found the highest spat numbers ever recorded, but they were clustered in just a few areas: the eastern portion of Eastern Bay, the Miles River, the northeast portion of the lower Choptank River, and in parts of the Little Choptank and St. Marys rivers.

In 2023, on the other hand, DNR says the survey turned up spat in the upper reaches of Bay tributaries that are usually too brackish for strong oyster reproduction. Several parts of the Potomac rivershed saw numerous spat: the Wicomico River, Breton Bay, and the area above the Route 301 bridge, where record-high river flows in 2018 and 2019 had decimated the oysters.

There were also positive reports in the Patuxent and Tred Avon rivers along with Eastern Bay. At the same time, areas where spat typically thrive continued to thrive in 2023. That includes the lower Eastern and Western shores along with Broad Creek.

As I noted yesterday in response to good news on oysters in Virginia, I am pleasantly surprised by the recent oyster crops. However, as mentioned in the article, 2023 was particularly good because of fortuitous weather.  That won't happen every year. Don't let the watermen take them all.

The Wombat has Rule 5 Monday: Happy Lee-Jackson Day! up and at 'em at The Other McCain.