Position Statements

CCA MD Position on Introduction of Crassostrea ariakensis into the Chesapeake Bay

Coastal Conservation Association Maryland (CCA MD) represents Maryland recreational anglers who recognize and enjoy the intrinsic values of the Chesapeake Bay and other coastal saltwaters. In order to improve water quality and the ecological balance in finfish populations our interests focus on ensuring that management actions be based on a decision-making process that is both technically accurate and biologically beneficial. The current decision-making process often seems heavily biased towards the social, economic, and political needs of a select few, instead of the majority of Maryland’s citizens.

Our organization is concerned that neither the introduction of C. ariakensis, nor the continuation of the present “put and take” native oyster management strategy will have significant, measurable, and positive impacts on Bay water quality or on the benthic ecosystem that supports numerous finfish species that use the Bay during their life cycles. We also believe the present management philosophy supporting the continuation of the “put and take” native oyster repletion program will need to be replaced by a philosophy that places the native oyster’s value solely on its ecological importance until restoration is complete.

CCA MD’s present position on the introduction of C. ariakensis mirrors all aspects of the position articulated by the National Academy of Sciences with emphasis on the recommendation that THIS SPECIES NOT BE INTRODUCED until more technically accurate information is generated to address all of the issues in their report as well as the numerous public health issues that have recently been raised.

CCA MD Position: CCA MD will not take a “pro” or “con” position on the introduction of C. ariakensis into Maryland waters until more scientific facts are available and the proposed environmental impact statement (EIS) with all supporting documents, a task specific management plan, and projected operating budget are peer-reviewed by persons with appropriate scientific and technical skills.

CCA MD strongly recommends that the EIS, management plan, and operating budget be reviewed by the National Academy of Sciences technical team that prepared the comprehensive report on C. ariakensis and other persons with appropriate scientific and technical skills. The comments of this group and their publicly announced approval of Maryland’s planned introduction of C. ariakensis must precede any physical introduction of live oysters. This ecologically important decision can not be made in an unbiased way by employees of state funded organizations or individuals who have a vested interest in this issue because of the diverse and complex social and political issues involved.

Approved by Executive Board
February 18, 2005