CHESTER RIVER SHELLFISH CLOSURE

    The Secretary of Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) pursuant to Natural Resources Article §4-1103 of Maryland's Annotated Code proposes that Strong Bay, Natural Oyster Bar 5-13, Chester River, Queen Annes County, Maryland will be permanently closed to shellfish harvest for the purpose of establishing an oyster sanctuary effective Friday, June 13, 2003. This closure has been coordinated with the local oyster committees.

    The sanctuary shall consist of all of Natural Oyster Bar 5-13, beginning at a point at or near corner 1 of Natural Oyster Bar 5-13, defined by Lat. 39° 00' 52.0" N. and Long. 76° 16' 38.2" W.; then running approximately 270° True to a point at or near corner 2 of Natural Oyster Bar 5-13, defined by Lat. 39° 00' 52.0" N. and Long. 76° 17' 7.9" W.; then running approximately 342° True to a point at or near corner 3 of Natural Oyster Bar 5-13, defined by Lat. 39° 01' 27.8" N. and Long. 76° 17' 22.4" W.; then running approximately 88° True to a point at or near corner 4 of Natural Oyster Bar 5-13, defined by Lat. 39° 01' 28.8" N. and Long. 76° 16' 50.3" W.; then running approximately 166° True to the point of beginning.

    The department's goal is to restore oyster population in these areas and to designate these grounds closed to harvest in order to contribute to the ecology of the river. Seed oysters will be planted on the site to rebuild populations, if needed.