Maryland, My Maryland

 Star Democrat, Mautz introduces oyster legislation

State Sen. Johnny Mautz (R-Caroline, Dorchester, Talbot, Wicomico) introduced legislation last month to require the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to develop an updated fishery management plan for oysters and to allow DNR to alter the boundaries of “certain oyster sanctuaries.” “SB 922 repeals onerous requirements which prevent the Department of Natural Resources from updating oyster management strategies for sanctuaries, aside from the large-scale restoration projects that are covered by federal regulations,” Mautz said.

Oysters are just starting to show signs of recovery, so watermen are asking the state to open the oyster sanctuaries.  

In addition, the legislation would allow watermen to dredge by powerboat in the “public oyster fishery area in Eastern Bay in Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties.”

“If there are areas that are conducive to power dredging, it’s shown to be a phenomenal way to grow oysters and to restore the bottom, and it’s proven time and time again,” Mautz said.

Except that it was power dredging the put final nail in the oyster's coffin during the heyday of oystering back in the early parts of the 20th century. But time and time again, watermen (and their politicians) trot out the old canard that the oyster grounds need to be "plowed," conveniently enough by the watermen's dredges as they harvest every possible legal oyster.

The bill’s co-sponsor is Sen. Jack Bailey (R-St. Mary’s, Calvert) of southern Maryland. The bill is cross-filed with House Bill 1231, sponsored by Del. Chris Adams (R-Dorchester, Talbot, Wicomico). Mautz said in a Feb. 17 interview that he and Bailey introduced the legislation “to give the department the authority to adjust the boundaries on sanctuaries because the last five years of DNR’s reporting on the status of sanctuaries is abysmal.”

“Over half of them are dead. Some are doing okay, but most are failing or dead, meaning that oyster bars that used to be flourishing prior to the creation of the sanctuary (have) been covered over with silt and mud,” Mautz said. “The idea is that they need to be managed. They can’t just be set aside,” Mautz said. “That’s why jokingly some will say oyster sanctuaries are like oyster cemeteries, because those used to be vibrant oyster grounds.”

Yes, after a year or two of higher salinity, the oyster diseases are back, and killing a significant number of oysters. But the answer is not to increase the harvest. 

The Wombat has Rule 5 Sunday: Country Girls ready for your digital pleasure at The Other McCain.