Developing Sustainable Aquaculture in Maryland

Don Webster, Sea Grant Extension is the PI on this program. The duration is 1990 to present. The purpose is to assist the state in developing sustainable aquaculture to aid in restoration of depleted species for ecological assistance while building economic and employment activity. Don provided expertise to a state task force seeking to develop aquaculture in 2002-2004. In addition to participating as a representative of UMCP, organized and conducted an Aquaculture Development Conference that brought expertise from across the nation to discuss options. After the task force recommendations were enacted, served as the first chairman of the new Aquaculture Coordinating Council, providing organization expertise to form the group. Developed the organizational structure leading to adoption of Best Management Practices for all forms of Maryland aquaculture and currently engaged in developing the concept of Aquaculture Enterprise Zones, as requested by the legislature.

Aquaculture can provide significant benefits both to the economic and ecological areas in the state. Through the production and manipulation of depleted resources. Currently, the interest lies largely in restoration of shellfish resources, but there is developing interest in using aquatic vegetation in future projects. If this should occur, the existing nursery and greenhouse industries in the state could provide a ready group to aid in production while enhancing profitability of existing industries through diversification of product lines.

Also in development are recommendations for Aquaculture Enterprise Zones (AEZ) in the state waters. These would provide areas for the production of shellfish by private growers and environmental groups. These areas would include sites that would combine ease of permitting with industry training through extension programs for commercial watermen seeking to transition. There would be cost-share programs to aid in the financing of seed and equipment, and designated AEZs would provide for better protection for private property than the current open-access fishery.

Don also serves on the newly appointed Maryland Oyster Advisory Commission, charged with restoring the oyster resource in the Chesapeake and coastal bays. This group should mesh well with the work ongoing by the Aquaculture Coordinating Council in renovating state laws regarding shellfish aquaculture and providing opportunity for traditional harvesters and citizens to engage in the production of shellfish.

Impacts - Task Force on Seafood and Aquaculture led to the Aquaculture Review Board, chaired by the Aquaculture Coordinator in MDA, for application processing and resolution of interagency conflict. This has led to better coordination of aquaculture permits and allowed for continued reporting to the legislative and executive branches on ways to further streamline the process.

The Aquaculture Coordinating Council provides oversight on policy matters and recommends development of economic enhancement projects for legislative and executive review. Their Best Management Practices are on-line for easy access by industry. While currently voluntary, they serve as a basis for future efforts to adopt them as mandatory actions for production.

Coordination with the Oyster Advisory Commission should lead to renovation of state leasing and shellfish aquaculture laws for the purpose of attracting growers to aid in rebuilding the shellfish industry, which has been devastated by disease during the past fifty years.

For more information, contact Don Webster

Last updated: 02/7/2008