Report Calls for Halt to Md. Oyster Harvest - WBOC-TV 16, Delmarvas News Leader, FOX 21 -

SOLOMONS, Md. (AP)- A new study recommends a moratorium on oyster harvesting in Maryland.

The study by the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science finds that the bay's oyster population has dropped to less than one percent of what it was before intensive commercial harvesting began in the late 1800s. And despite that drop, watermen are still taking too many.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary John R. Griffin issued a statement saying state officials do not believe a moratorium is needed now, noting the state has set aside 24 percent of the remaining oyster reefs in sanctuaries and increased poaching penalties.