Position Statements

CCA MD Position on Oyster Restoration and Dredging of Historic Oyster Shell Deposits

• Coastal Conservation Association Maryland (CCA MD) supports in principle the restoration of the native oyster population in the Chesapeake Bay. “Oyster Repletion” programs directed at subsidizing a commercial “put and take” harvest are not considered a legitimate restoration activity.
• CCA MD opposes any and all new permit applications to dredge historic deposits of oyster shell for the use of establishing new oyster reefs or replenishing existing oyster reefs.
• CCA MD supports the research and use of ecologically appropriate alternative oyster reef-building material like marine limestone (marl) and recycled concrete.
• CCA MD supports careful selection of ecologically appropriate sites for alternative-material reefs, including consideration of depth, substrate, and history of strong spat set.
• CCA MD opposes, until restoration is complete, the use of harvested oyster shells for any other purpose than for oyster restoration.
• CCA MD supports research into ecologically sound recovery techniques to re-use previously spread shell that has become silted over.

Approved by Board of Directors
December 4, 2001
Revised by Executive Committee
December 2, 2003