Plans
for Non-native Oysters in Bay Dropped: Foreign Species
Deemed Ecologically Dangerous (Apr
7, 2009; PDF | 163 KB) Baltimore Sun.
Virginia, Maryland and the Army Corps of
Engineers announced a new strategy Monday for restoring
oysters in the Chesapeake Bay that excludes any use
of exotic Asian oysters. The decision ends years of
debate about whether to introduce an Asian oyster into
the bay and concludes nearly five years of formal study,
costing $17 million in state and federal funds. The
preferred alternative will focus solely on reviving
native oysters - by building more artificial reefs
in the Bay, expanding oyster farming opportunities
and growing more baby oysters at more hatcheries.
