Maryland panel explore aquaculture use of coastal bays
USA: Maryland Department of Natural Resources has formed the state's new Coastal Bays Aquaculture Development Workgroup (CBADW). The group consists of ten members, tasked with developing recommendations to address the issues and opportunities associated with aquaculture in Maryland's coastal bays.
"Across the state we have seen a renewed interest in shellfish aquaculture," said DNR Secretary John R. Griffin in a press release. "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 goal is to establish a viable and productive aquaculture industry in Maryland and at the same time minimize the potential impact on other users of the waters.
In Maryland, aquaculture for the most part means growing and harvesting shellfish, primarily oysters and clams. This has become a significant business in surrounding states, but not fully explored in Maryland.
