AQUATIC RESOURCES – SEAFOOD
 

    We recommend legislation be developed to prohibit clam rigs and other equipment (which disturb or have the potential to destroy submerged aquatic vegetation, and which is used for the capture of wild aquatic life) from operating within 300 feet of the shoreline and the same distance from SAV in other areas. ’05

    We recognize that Blue Crabs in the Chesapeake Bay are a highly valuable resource for both commercial and recreational activities. Regulations controlling this fishery should be managed through modern data collection and sound science, with input from all stakeholders as well as the Bi-State Blue Crab Technical Committee and the Chesapeake Bay Commission. ’06

    The movement of oyster spat and adult oysters by the Department of Natural Resources from one area in the Chesapeake Bay to another area shall not be done until such time as a site specific testing of the animals to be moved has been completed by an independent laboratory within 30 days prior to the proposed movement. In the event a determination is made that oyster spat and oysters are not disease-free, they shall not be moved as such movement of the animals creates stress, and survivability of spat moved is poor. ’07

    We support the research and development on the Asian Oyster and request that efforts to introduce it into the Bay be put on a fast-track.’07