PUBLIC NOTICE
MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
FISHERIES SERVICE
UPPER CHESAPEAKE BAY SHELLFISH CLOSURE

The Secretary of Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) pursuant to Natural Resources Article §4-1103 and section §4-1037 of Maryland's Annotated Code announced that the following area in the Upper Chesapeake Bay, Kent County, will be permanently closed to shellfish harvest for the purpose of establishing an oyster sanctuary effective Friday, August 30, 2002. The oyster sanctuary is in the area of the western side of Gale's Lump and consists of approximately 50 acres. This closure has been coordinated with the local County Oyster Committees.

The Gale's Lump oyster sanctuary is all of the area defined by a point at or near Latitude 39º 12' 19.3" N and Longitude 76º 18' 30.7" W; then running approximately 330º (true) to a point at or near Latitude 39º 12' 26.6" N and Longitude 76º 18' 36.2" W; then running approximately 65º (true) to a point at or near Latitude 39º 12' 34.7" N and Longitude 76º 18' 13.8" W; then running approximately 153º (true) to a point at or near Latitude 39º 12' 24.7" N and Longitude 76º 18' 07.3" W; then running approximately 253º (true) to the point of beginning. This area will be permanently closed.

The Department's goal is to restore oyster population in this area and to designate these grounds closed to harvest in order to contribute to the ecology of Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Seed oysters will be planted on the site to rebuild populations, if needed.