The first Maryland oyster stock assessment was completed in December 2018 by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. The assessment developed an oyster population model and biological reference points based on the biological characteristics of the oyster population and other appropriate factors affecting the population. An independent peer review panel concluded that the results from the assessment can serve as an adequate basis for management decisions.
An update stock assessment was completed in June of 2020. This update used the same oyster population model and biological reference points as the 2018 stock assessment but added two more years of data.
The reports below are available on the archival webpage
These reports are not ADA compliant.
To obtain any of these reports as an accessible copy, follow the directions on the linked page.
2018 Oyster Stock Assessment
- Full Report: Stock Assessment of the Eastern Oyster in Maryland
- Peer Review of the Stock Assessment of the Eastern Oyster in Maryland
- Report to the Legislature - Stock Assessment of Eastern Oysters in Maryland
2020 Update Stock Assessment
- Summary Report: 2020 Update Stock Assessment of Maryland Oysters
- Full Report: 2020 Update Stock Assessment of Maryland Oysters
- Appendix 1 - 2020 Update Stock Assessment of Maryland Oysters
2021 Update Stock Assessment
- Presentation to Oyster Advisory Commission
2023 Update Stock Assessment
- Presentation to Oyster Advisory Commission - 6/6/2023
2024 Benchmark Oyster Stock Assessment
- Presentation to Oyster Advisory Commission - 5/19/2025
- Peer review report of the benchmark assessment
- Draft final report (final will be posted when available)
