Chesapeake Bay oysters continue to be at the heart of much debate. There is now legislation being discussed by the Maryland General Assembly that may change the way watermen are allowed to dredge for oysters.

HB 218, if passed, would permit use of certain types of drivers to aid in dredging. Drivers are plates that use water pressure to keep dredges down on the water’s bottom.  Many watermen came to the bill hearing in support of the proposed changes, stating that these devices would make oyster harvesting easier.

There have been many regulations on power dredging in the Bay aimed at controlling harvests since the oyster population is so low. As decided in 2003, only in certain areas can watermen with permits power dredge using bars that meet specific requirements.

Could this bill further deplete the Bay’s oysters? Delegate D. Page Elmore, R-Wicomico, who is sponsoring the legislation, told the Capital News Service that the bill “does not expand power dredging in any way, shape or form.”