ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Maryland's Department of Natural Resources
says oysters are surviving at the highest rate since 1985.
The department says results of its fall oyster survey show 92
percent of oysters were found alive in samples taken baywide. The
two-month survey sampled 263 oyster bars throughout the bay.
While heavy rains last year caused high mortality in some areas,
the department says lower salt levels throughout the bay helped cut
diseases that have devastated oyster populations. DNR says the high
survival rate also comes on the heels of a strong spatset, or crop
of baby oysters, which was the largest last year since 1997.
Maryland is emphasizing oyster aquaculture and sanctuaries to
restore its oyster population, which is at less than 1 percent of
historic levels.
