The Chesapeake Bay is the largest oyster-producing body of water in the United States. And, oyster farming, or aquaculture, has become a fast-growing businesses in Maryland. However, some watermen feel the ends don’t justify the means.
Aquaculture is expected to be an issue in next session of the General Assembly, in January. With Sheilah by phone today to discuss the state of the bay’s oysters is Robert Brown, President of the Maryland Watermen’s Association. Also joining Sheilah is Don Boesch, a professor of Marine Sciences, and President of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science.
If you're interested in learning more about oyster farming, check out Tom Pelton's "Environment In Focus" episode about family of watermen who have plunged big time into oyster farming.