Oyster population in the Chesapeake Bay shows significant growth, demonstrating that oyster sanctuaries are doing their jobs.
The sanctuaries are under threat, however, from the cuts by the federal government courtesy of language introduced by Maryland’s lone Republican representative in Congress.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on Friday released its latest five-year oyster management review report, urging that the widespread success of the sanctuaries show the need for their continuation. The report shows the vast majority of Maryland’s oyster sanctuaries have seen impressive population growth thanks to restoration efforts and strong reproduction over that time. This includes sanctuaries even beyond the five tributaries that DNR restored as part of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement.
Julie Luecke, a coastal resource scientist with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation Maryland, is encouraged by the success of the oyster sanctuaries.
“Oysters are one of the Bay’s greatest success stories — not by luck, but because of targeted protection in Maryland’s oyster sanctuaries, alongside ongoing restoration efforts,” Luecke said. “It’s great seeing these record numbers continue to climb, not only in oyster sanctuaries themselves, but in nearby harvest areas as well.”
According to the report, nearly 40 percent of oyster sanctuaries showed growth or have met scientific benchmarks. Another 16 sanctuaries are being considered for further investments. These sanctuaries protect important reef habitat not just for oysters, but other aquatic species who use them for living and hiding.
The report also showed record oyster harvests in the last five years. The 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 seasons were the highest in decades, generating more than $21 million and $31 million in dockside value, respectively. Chesapeake Bay Foundation claims that as proof the sanctuaries are crucial to oyster harvests.
Even though the state’s oyster population has tripled in the last 30 years, it is still only a fraction of what it once was, after a loss resulting from overharvesting and disease. CBF attributes the population rebound to recent oyster restoration and investment, good environmental conditions, and low disease rates.
Despite all the evidence of success and widespread public support, oyster sanctuaries are in danger because of efforts to allow harvesting in certain sanctuaries. Rep. Andy Harris, Maryland’s lone Republican Congressperson, added language in the U.S. House FY27 Appropriations Bill that strips the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) funding for oyster sanctuaries unless they are opened to harvest. Harris told the Bay Journal in July 2026 that harvesting “revitalizes” the reefs and would rejuvenate the fishing industry.
So, the NOAA risks losing its funding for the oyster sanctuaries unless it opens them up to harvesting that the CBF fears would destroy them. Multiple studies show harvesting, especially dredging, damages the critical habitat these oyster reefs provide. Harvesting also limits oyster reproduction and undermines disease resistance the sanctuaries have helped the population build, which has been instrumental in the population’s rebound.
“These results prove that we must stay the course,” Luecke said. “With 1,100 additional acres of restoration planned in the new Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement and 16 additional sanctuaries slated for investment, we look forward to state and federal leaders continuing the charge, starting by keeping our oyster sanctuaries fully protected.”
