The Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) pursuant to Natural Resources Article §4-1009.1 of the Maryland Annotated Code and the Code of Maryland Regulations 08.02.04.14 announces that the oyster reserve areas described below for the Chester River, Choptank River and Patuxent River will be open for harvest effective only under the conditions set forth below. Buoys will mark the open areas described below. Harvesting may only occur on the dates specified in this notice, although the buoys may remain on site for a longer period of time. This action is recommended by the Oyster Harvest Reserve Steering Committee.
Oyster harvesting conditions: For all sites: Harvest open Monday through Friday, November 14, 2005 through March 31, 2006 from sunrise till 3pm; 3" minimum cull size; 15 bushel daily limit per license holder not to exceed 30 bushels per boat (oyster surcharge fee must be paid for each harvester); no greater than 5% tolerance for undersized oysters as currently is in force in the fishery; only the gear that is legal for the area may be used; catch must be held in containers; catch must be checked with a check-in boat that will be on site to monitor the bushels harvested and hours worked and other necessary data.
Chester River - Queen Anne County
Emory Hollow Oyster Reserve Area (Hand Tong Only)
Beginning at a point defined by Lat 39º 06.203' N and Long 76º 07.401' W; then running
approximately 340º True to a point defined by Lat 39º 06.284' N and Long 76º 07.439' W; then running
approximately 70º True to a point defined by Lat 39º 06.347' N and Long 76º 07.217' W; then running
approximately 62º True to a point defined by Lat 39º 06.396' N and Long 76º 07.097' W; then running
approximately 147º True to a point defined by Lat 39º 06.335' N and Long 76º 07.047' W; then running
approximately 236º True to a point defined by Lat 39º 06.267' N and Long 76º 07.177' W; then running
approximately 250º True to the point of beginning.
Blunt Oyster Reserve Area( Hand Tong and Diver only)
Beginning at a point defined by Lat 38º 59.320' N and Long 76º 11.880' W; then running
approximately 312º True to a point defined by Lat 38º 59.414' N and Long 76º 12.015' W; then running
approximately 45º True to a point defined by Lat 38º 59.557' N and Long 76º 11.830' W; then running
approximately 97º True to a point defined by Lat 38º 59.538' N and Long 76º 11.631' W; then running
approximately 222º True to the point of beginning.
Choptank River - Talbot County
Bolingbroke Sand Oyster Reserve Area (Hand Tong Only)
Beginning at a point defined by Lat 38º 34.800' N and Long 76º 02.840' W; then running
approximately 270º True to a point defined by Lat 38º 34.800' N and Long 76º 03.010' W; then running
approximately 350º True to a point defined by Lat 38º 34.980' N and Long 76º 03.050' W; then running
approximately 90º True to a point defined by Lat 38º 34.980' N and Long 76º 02.840' W; then running
approximately 180º True to the point of beginning.
Patuxent River -
Broadneck Oyster Reserve Area(Hand Tong Only)
Beginning at a point defined by Lat 38º 27.781' N and Long 76º 39.017' W; then running
approximately 327º True to a point defined by Lat 38º 27.876' N and Long 76º 39.095' W; then running
approximately 29º True to a point defined by Lat 38º 27.928' N and Long 76º 39.059' W; then running
approximately 145º True to a point defined by Lat 38º 27.804' N and Long 76º 38.948' W; then running
approximately 247º True to the point of beginning.
These reserves have met the criteria for additional harvest. This action is intended to increase yield and mitigate potential oyster losses due to disease.
Comments or questions may be sent to Eric Campbell, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Service, Tawes State Office Building, 580 Taylor Avenue B-2, Annapolis, Maryland 21401, phoone at 410-260-8322 or FAX (410) 260-8279.