Maryland establishes Aquaculture Development Group
Today, June 16 2008, Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary John R. Griffin announced the formation of Maryland’s new Coastal Bays Aquaculture Development Workgroup. The ten-member group, tasked with developing recommendations to address the issues and opportunities associated with aquaculture in Maryland’s coastal bays, is holding its second public meeting on Monday, June 16 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Wor-Wic Community College’s Student Center in Salisbury. “Across the state we have seen a renewed interest in shellfish aquaculture,” said DNR Secretary John R. Griffin. “We now have a timely opportunity to develop new local businesses that can utilize renewable natural resources to create sustainable economic benefits. Aquaculture has the potential to provide ecological advantages to the bays, while also seeking to minimize other user conflicts.” The workgroup’s efforts will focus on:
- Identify the major obstacles to aquaculture operations in the Coastal Bays;
- Identify opportunities to support aquaculture; and
- Developing strategies to minimize user conflicts.
“The individuals appointed to the workgroup bring a broad spectrum of scientific knowledge, history, and personal connection to the bays, and I look forward to receiving their recommendations,” added Griffin. Recommendations by the workgroup may ultimately lead to policy changes that impact coastal bays shoreline property owners. All meetings are open and Worchester County citizens are encouraged to attend.
