The Secretary of Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) pursuant to Natural Resources Article §4-1008 (d), Annotated Code of Maryland, announces the commercial oyster power dredge season will open sunrise Tuesday, October 18, 2005. A licensee possessing an oyster power dredge permit is allowed to use a power dredge bar with a maximum size of 42 inches that does not exceed 200 pounds in weight. There is no minimum size of dredge bar. All other current laws and regulations apply during the season.

The availability of oysters from the Gulf coast to Maryland processors has diminished due to the effects of Hurricane Katrina. This action to begin the commercial oyster power dredge season two weeks early will provide oysters to Maryland processors in October while supplies from the Gulf coast are low.