EASTON, Md. - Eastern Shore watermen took Wednesday off to unite in protest. They say a number of bills in Annapolis this year could put them out of business.
Early morning, passing cars honked in front of the Eastern Shore Conservation Center in Easton. At least 70 watermen stood up front carrying signs.
Talbot Watermen's Association President Jeff Harrison worries a number of bills could put him and many others out of work.
"We've actually been at this for a long time but for some reason, no one seems to know that," Harrison said.
Some characterize what's happening in Annapolis as war.
"The governor may have said it's over but it's evident with all the bills that they have in, the war is still wide open," Rob Newberry of the Delmarva Fisheries Association said.
But environmentalists are calling for peace.
"This is not a war on watermen," said Alan Girard of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. "Everyone has a stake in a clean Chesapeake and we're willing to work with anyone who wants to achieve that common goal."
Girard says they're using science to back bills that will support oysters and clams in the bay.
Watermen like Harrison agree, but ask at what cost to their livelihoods.
A full list the watermen are planning to testify against can be found here.
The watermen are planning another protest in Somerset County next week.
