In its 2008 Legislative Report released the first week of February, 2009, the Maryland Oyster Advisory Commission (OAC) offered a multi-faceted strategy for restoring the Chesapeake’s native oyster population and revitalizing the State’s beleaguered oyster industry. Additional OAC documents can be found on the OAC Links Page.

“We are grateful to the commission members for providing us with an exceptional framework for oyster restoration,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Now it is our turn to translate their hard work into the definitive actions that will return a healthy native oyster population to Maryland waters.”

In September 2007, Secretary John R. Griffin appointed 21 scientists, watermen, anglers, businessmen, economists, environmental advocates, and elected officials to serve on the Commission, which is charged with advising the state on matters relating to oysters and strategies for rebuilding and managing the oyster population in Maryland's portion of the Chesapeake Bay.

The OAC will also utilize the latest findings of an Environmental Impact Statement currently being drafted with other state and federal government partners to evaluate oyster restoration options for the Chesapeake Bay.