Advancing Maryland’s Oyster Future

In response to Maryland Senate Bill 830 (2022), the UMCES Horn Point Laboratory evaluated methods to enhance oyster production using alternative substrates and retrofits. As part of this effort, two virtual symposiums were held in 2024 and 2025 in collaboration with IAN. A variety of experts from all over the country and the world discussed their methods, challenges, and opportunities regarding oyster production in their region. Along with the symposium reports, a 271-page document was produced for the Maryland state legislature to highlight major findings from this research and help guide oyster management in the Chesapeake Bay. The final report can be found here.