[ad_1]
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced that the 2018-2019 public oyster harvest season is open from October 1 to March 31, 2019. The opening month is reserved for divers and sea patents and tree claws, as well as recreational oyster.
During the season, the recreational oyster harvest is open to all Maryland residents and does not require a license. According to a press release, each harvester can take a bushel of oysters a day, provided that it is intended only for personal use. Oyster harvesting for recreational purposes is only permitted at sunrise at 3 pm during the week and from sunrise to sun on Saturday and Sunday.
Commercial sailors can work from Monday to Friday at sunrise at 15:00. in October, and again from January to March. In November and December, oysters can be harvested from sunrise to sunset. The daily limit is 15 bushels per person, not to exceed 30 bushels per boat for divers and flip-flops.
The minimum size for all oysters harvested is 3 inches, indicates the state of release. The department recommends that all oyster farmers consult the Information Portal on Commercial Closure Areas for Shellfish Harvesters, which gives them access to map coordinates and locations of aquaculture leases.
The oyster season for dredging and bonito begins November 1st in the designated areas of Calvert County, Dorchester County, Somerset County, St. Mary's County, Talbot County and Wicomico County. For electric dredging, the limit is 12 bushels per person, not to exceed 24 bushels per boat.
During the 2017-2018 oyster season, 940 licensed aquaculturists harvested 181,329 bushels worth approximately $ 8.6 million at berth, according to the release. Funds generated from the license surtax and state oyster tax revenues, as well as additional funding from the Maryland Department of Transportation, assist the Department in replenishing oyster seed of shells.
Source link
