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CBF restoration vessel Patricia Campbell planting young oysters. (Photo: CBF Staff)
Chesapeake oysters resisting disease
(UNITED STATES, 7/8/2010)
Chesapeake Bay oysters are developing natural resistance to the diseases that in recent decades have ravaged their population, according to a new Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) report.
In order to boost this natural selection process and the eventual replenishment of the native oyster population in the Bay, CBF requests that Virginia and Maryland produce sanctuaries to protect some 40 per cent of historical oyster grounds, more funding to reconstruct and repair reefs and greater efforts to avert poaching.
In addition, the report discusses the mounting fame and profitability of oyster aquaculture in the bay, and urges both states to promote it via incentives such as training programmes, fee waivers, expedited permit approvals and grants. A booming bivalve aquaculture industry could generate millions of dollars in revenue and hundreds of new regional jobs.
"With the right help and incentives, oyster farming could really take off,” affirmed CBF Virginia Oyster Restoration and Fisheries scientist Tommy Leggett. “That would be a win for the seafood industry, the Bay and the Bay's wild oysters. It's where we need to be heading."
The report suggests that oysters are developing rising resistance to diseases like MSX and thus becoming hardier oysters, particularly in the southern Bay.
Over time, reefs can be protected across the bay by defending further existing oyster bottoms from harvest and rebuilding and up keeping oyster reefs devastated by overfishing or siltation, reports WTKR-TV3.
Already, Virginia has set up retraining programmes for watermen. The amount of farmed oysters in the Commonwealth has escalated to almost 10 million with a market value of USD 2.8 million and a total economic effect calculated at around USD 7 million in 2008.
Revenue could grow tenfold in the coming years, according to experts.
“With strong and appropriate management, oysters may well rebound the same as crabs," said CBF President Will Baker. "Nature seems to be doing its part, and scientists and state policymakers can help by restoring and protecting more historical oyster reefs.”
“Equally important, oyster aquaculture is proving to be a viable and profitable boost to the Bay's oyster industry without depleting the wild oyster population. To paraphrase, we think we can have our oyster and eat it, too," he added.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold a series of public hearings later this month on proposed regulations to enlarge sanctuaries and make available greater sections of the bay to leasing for private aquaculture, Delmarva Now reports.
Related articles:
- Oyster revival plan disclosed
- Oystermen support poacher rules, protest sanctuaries
- Maryland adopts new poacher surveillance system
By Natalia Real
[email protected]
www.seafood.media
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