The Secretary of Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) pursuant to Natural Resources Article 4-1103 of Maryland’s Annotated Code the following area of the Patuxent River, St. Mary’s County, will be permanently closed to shellfish harvest for the purpose of establishing the Senator Paul J. Bailey Oyster Sanctuary effective Wednesday, August 20, 2003. This area is in the vicinity of the Trent Hall oyster bar and is approximately 9.5 acres in size. This closure has been coordinated with the local County Oyster Committees.

The oyster sanctuary consists of all the area defined by: A point at or near Latitude 38º28’14.9" N, Longitude 76º39’25.8" W then running approximately 289º (true) to a point at or near Latitude 38º28’17.9" N, Longitude 76º39’37.1" W, then running approximately 48º (true) to a point at or near Latitude 38º28’22.3" N, Longitude 76º39’30.8" W, then running approximately 134º (true) to a point at or near Latitude 38º28’16.5" N, Longitude 76º39’23.3" W, then running approximately 230º (true) to the point of beginning.

The department’s goal is to establish an abundant oyster population at this site and to designate this area 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.