Crassostrea Ariakensis and the Chesapeake Bay Exploring Environmental and Policy Issues Don Webster, Maryland Sea Grant Extension, Eastern Shore Agent

ISSUE 2002-04/2003-01 FALL 2002/WINTER 2003

Crassostrea ariakensis and the Chesapeake Bay Exploring Environmental and Policy Issues Don Webster, Maryland Sea Grant Extension, Eastern Shore Agent

or more than 40 years, oyster populations in the Chesapeake Bay have Fbeen battered by parasitic diseases against which the only defense has been lower salinity waters. Due to the ever- changing nature of salinity patterns, this has led to restoration activities primarily in areas that are at least high enough in salinity to support growth and low enough to suppress disease.At mid and higher salinities, Haplosporidium nelsoni, which causes MSX disease, and Perkinsus marinus, which causes Dermo, meets with little resistance from Crassostrea virginica, the oyster that is native to estuaries from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.While there are strains of C. virginica that can tolerate disease and survive, they are not producing in large sustainable populations. Major social and economic impacts to sh o r eside communities have followed the near-elimination of the Bay oyster indus- tr y.Another impact has been the health of the ecosystem c o n t ri bute to further degradation of water quality. It is for it s e l f : oyster reefs not only provide habitat for bottom- such reasons that large-scale restoration of oys t e r s to the dw elling organisms and, th u s , feeding fish, crabs and other Ba y would have important economic as well as ecologic a l s p e c i e s ,t h ey can also exer t strong top-down controls on be n e f i t s . The prob lem is that MSX and Dermo are so nut ri e n t s : feeding prod i g iously on algae, oys t e r s use and endemic throughout the Chesapeake that oys t e r s rarel y bind up nitrogen and phosphorus that would otherwise su rv i ve beyond a couple of yea r s before succumbing. Why is C. virginica so unable to grow faster than the native and more Contents defend itself? A century of clear cut- importantly may be able to tolerate ting natural reefs for harvests and the MSX and Dermo. 1 Crassostrea ariakensis and the Chesapeake Bay subsequent impacts of siltation and Since it has been so difficult to runoff are likely key factors. Oysters overcome the disease organisms that 5 Profitability and Oyster Restoration — Marketing Will release eggs and sperm into the water are killing C. virginica, an obvious Be Critical where eggs are fertilized to become choice is to fully investigate whether 6 Blue Crab Research at free-swimming larvae; after two to C. ariakensis can match the attributes COMB three weeks of feeding,those that of C. virginica when it had the ability 7 Research Update survive predation begin searching for to survive. Currently, the National a surface, usually oyster shells, to Academy of Science has a committee Hard Clams & QPX adhere themselves to and undergo of scientists, economists and policy COMB Recirculating metamorphosis to become spat. makers examining the ecological and Aquaculture System Patented Fewer broodstock oysters over low- social implications of introducing C. 9 Book Review lying, if not scattered, reefs generally ariakensis in order to make recom- Fisheries in Europe translates to fewer young oysters — mendations by late summer. Among 10 Seafood Nutrition Education reefs are not being replenished with its options are (1) to do nothing; (2) enough surviving biomass and thus to introduce only triploid or sterile 11 New Coastal Community Specialist are collapsing or being covered in C. ariakensis which would be used for sediment. In general, baywide condi- aquaculture — in other words, con- 11 New Publications tions that C. virginica evolved to grow trolled plantings under confined con- 12 Aquafarmer Reader Survey in may have changed to such an ditions; (3) to introduce diploid or 12 Maryland Sea Grant extent that it can no longer thrive reproducing populations.There are a Research Program under those conditions that now number of environmental and policy 13 Calendar exist.The overwhelming presence of questions that must be addressed — Oyster Research and disease, for example, may so compro- here is a summary of those related to Restoration Meeting mise the C. virginica immune system the environment. East Coast Commercial that it is left vulnerable to other Fishermen’s Expo Seminar environmental stresses. Environmental Questions Sessions A number of research and man- Related to C. ariakensis agement efforts have been underway • Will Crassostrea ariakensis survive for some time to try and “improve” throughout the Bay? This is a key C. virginica’s chances for battling dis- question — if it will not, then ease.These include the hatchery there is no reason to pursue the breeding of strains with an inherent introduction. Based on limited or genetic immunity — while field trials of triploid C. ariakensis researchers and growers have had in Virginia in 2000 and 2001 and some success in using these oysters scientific studies at the Virginia for aquaculture, it is still uncertain Institute of Marine Science, C. whether they will continue to breed ariakensis appears likely to thrive in the wild and eventually produce under conditions found in the sustainable populations. Even if this Chesapeake Bay (for a summary was to occur, it could take decades of the VIMS study, see www. before there is any significant return mdsg.umd.edu/Aquafarmer): of native oysters.This is a key reason growth seems to reflect salinity why many people in the industry are with faster growth in higher salin- calling for introduction of a non- ity waters but with survival at all native oyster — Crassostrea ariakensis, investigated ranges. an Asian species — that appears to

2 • MARYLAND AQUAFARMER •Will triploid or diploid C. ariaken - of them to have the possibility of attaining large sizes, these ques- sis have adverse impacts on other unwanted reproduction occur? tions could have an impact upon beneficial species? This is another the decisions of if and how to key question that needs to be • If reproductive (diploid) C. ariakensis introduce it.Further, could C. researched. It would not be are brought into the Bay or if triploid ariakensis affect the processing and worthwhile introducing an oyster C. ariakensis become wild, will they marketing segments of the indus- that will have a significant adverse colonize and build reefs? The ecosys- try in the same way that produc- impact on other beneficial species tem would benefit if C. ariakensis tion of large ocean clams affected in the bay.We must remember forms reef structures through the quahog industry during the that the oyster is only one impor- continual setting upon itself. This past forty years. tant component in a healthy is largely what current restoration ecosystem. projects with hatchery-bred • If other states are enabled to advance strains of disease-tolerant C. vir - aquaculture techniques for raising this • Does an introduction of C. ariakensis ginica have sought to emulate, new species, will states like Maryland, have the potential to affect oysters in though success has been limited. where the industry is largely based on other states? We have seen that harvesting wild populations, be left non-native species can be moved • Will C. ariakensis outcompete C. vir- behind? This question has been of to places where they were not ginica? Could diploid C. aria - foremost concern of many water- intended. For example, larvae can kensis survive and reproduce so men and processors in Maryland, drift for long distances and one of well that it could completely take as Virginia and North Carolina the mysteries of the Bay oyster over the niche traditionally occu- advocate for the introduction of populations is trying to figure out pied by C. virginica? If it did, triploid C. ariakensis for commer- where oysters on a particular bar would the Bay be better or worse cial aquaculture. Techniques will came from. Therefore, since the off for it? Furthermore, would have to be developed, either decision to introduce a non- we be better off in getting C. through containment equipment native oyster can potentially ariakensis established rather than or other methods of insuring that impact other states, what is that continuing efforts to culture dis- all the animals are caught, in order potential and what could the ease-tolerant strains of the native to have a working commercial transport mechanism be? (Mary- species? aquaculture industry. For a discus- land Sea Grant is funding research sion of these issues, see “Does the that is employing genetic analysis Policy Questions Related to Bay Need a New Oyster?” to try and determine oyster C. ariakensis Chesapeake Quarterly On-Line, recruitment patterns on the www.mdsg. umd.edu/CQ/ In addition to the strictly biolog- Chesapeake; for more informa- Fall02/main.html. ical or environmental questions, there tion, see Matt Hare and Kennedy are a series of issues that involve pub- Paynter,Title, www.mdsg.umd. • If only triploid C. ariakensis are lic policy.These have important edu/Research/R_F-92.html.) allowed, will large growers come to impacts upon human activities and dominate the industry? Triploids include the following. • If sterile (or triploid) oysters are have to be produced in hatcheries employed for farming C. ariakensis, — an industry based on these • Can Crassostrea ariakensis provide will they remain sterile, and under animals could lead to the forma- and sustain a commercial fishery? what conditions might they change? tion of vertically integrated busi- This question falls into two areas: Studies have shown that, given nesses, much like the current (1) would this new oyster be able enough time, some triploids will poultry industry, that could con- to jump-start a commercial fish- revert to non-sterile animals. If trol oyster production and in ery through the aquaculture of this happens, will the gametes of effect the growers who would triploids; (2) would it provide the animals that revert be viable contract to work for them.As saleable animals from wild pro- enough to form sustaining popu- with the broiler industry, while duction. Since C. ariakensis gives lations and will there be enough the overall impact on the econ- evidence of growing quickly and

FALL 2002/WINTER 2003 • 3 omy has been large and positive, take away from that singular ment decisions can be based. Tar- there has also been a loss of inde- direction. Unfortunately, if they geted research can help to provide pendence by growers who now are wrong, we will not only have many of the answers to key questions are directed by the companies that spent vast sums of taxpayer-pro- that will affect these policy decisions. provide their animals, feed, har- vided dollars in vain but will be a Since research takes time and vesting, and marketing services. decade behind in trying to inves- resources, the prudent course would tigate new directions that could be for scientists in several of the states • Will allowing only the culture of help provide a solution to the that will be impacted by this new triploid C. ariakensis cause a shift in oyster problem. oyster to begin immediately to define states like Maryland from public har - the questions that most need answer- vest to private culture? The Mary- Research and Action ing and refine a course of action that land fishery has always relied will bring them into concerted and Sustainable populations of Cras - upon watermen harvesting public collaborative action to do the neces- sostrea virginica will probably not oyster bars.Aquaculture has been sary work. This must be done, while recover to historic levels on their negligible in this state, unlike Vir- there is still a remnant of a Bay own, certainly not in the near term. ginia which based its industry on industry that can be saved and before We have seen the effects of MSX in private growers using bottom conditions become too degraded for the Delaware and coastal bays: after grounds leased from the Com- effective restoration. almost a half-century of disease monwealth. If only the produc- prevalence, oyster populations have tion of triploids is allowed, would To respond to or comment on this article, not developed a strong enough resist- this cause watermen to either please go to www.mdsg.umd. edu/Aqua - ance to the disease to enable natural become growers or be shut out of farmer or contact Don Webster at dw16@ replenishment. If we take the coastal the industry? While this outcome umail.umd.edu. bays as an example, most of the old would have a small impact today oyster bars that existed are now because of the few oystermen left defunct — they are covered with silt in the industry, it could cause a and sediment, and unavailable for C. ariakensis Resources shift in the management structure new oysters to build upon old bars from publicly-funded repletion on the Web even if there were sufficient animals projects to growers risking their Maryland Sea Grant to spawn and provide the larvae. own capital in the pursuit of www.mdsg.umd.edu/ Of all the courses that have and profit. oysters/exotics/index.html can be taken to restore a bivalve pop- ulation to the ecological niche that Virginia Institute of Marine • Will allowing the introduction of C. was occupied by Crassostrea virginica, Science ariakensis in any form shift funding the most promising at this time seems www.vims.edu.abc/CA.html away from restoration projects for C. to be the introduction of a non- virginica? This has been a strongly native oyster. What is needed is one Chesapeake Bay Program voiced viewpoint that some state www.chesapeakebay.net/ that can survive in current condi- and federal agencies have used as nonnativeoyster.htm tions, provide the basis for a rejuve- a basis for opposing research in nated commercial industry and meet the culture of C. ariakensis in National Academy of Science the needs for restoration projects. Committee open waters.The concern is that a Finding the answers to these www.nationalacademies.org great deal of funding has been questions will not come quickly, eas- lined up for restoration of C. vir - ily, or cheaply. But answers need to ginica over the next decade and be determined upon which manage- agencies do not want anything to

4 • MARYLAND AQUAFARMER Profitability and Oyster Restoration Marketing Will Be Critical Doug Lipton, Maryland Sea Grant Extension Economics Specialist

hile restoration of the industry alone. native oyster in Chesa- Increased demand peake Bay has been posing and a wider variety W of products will be difficult challenges, restoration of the necessary compo- harvesting and processing industry to 120.00 historic levels presents its own set of nents of a successful challenges. This is the message I gave industry revitaliza- 100.00 tion.” to the National Academy of Sciences 80.00 Committee of Non-Native Oysters H i s t o ri c a l l y, th e 60.00 in the Chesapeake Bay which met in Ch e s a p e a k e Bay oys - Fall, 2002,in Fredericksburg,Virginia. ter industry was 40.00 ch a r a c t e r ized by high Figure 1. Index of U.S. per capita oyster consumption The committee is charged with mak- 20.00 (1980=100). ing recommendations regarding the volume prod u c t i o n introduction of Crassostrea ariakensis but rel a t i vely low 0.00 as an alternative or complement to pr ices compared with restoring native oyster stocks of Cras - other North e a s t e r n sostrea virginica. U.S . pr oducing area s ; that is because most Imports Ten years ago, we were exploring Pacific Ch e s a p e a k e prod u c - 90,000,000 the possibility of introducing Cras - Eastern sostrea gigas, the Pacific or Japanese tion was destined for 80,000,000 oyster to Chesapeake Bay as a way of shucking houses as 70,000,000 managing around MSX and Dermo. opposed to the 60,000,000 50,000,000 In 1992, in “Economics of Molluscan higher value half- 40,000,000 Introductions and Transfers” we out- shell market . Th e difficulty of re s t o ri n g 30,000,000 lined the economic information that 20,000,000Figure 2. U.S. supply of oysters, 1980-2001. would be needed to determine a shucking-based in d u s t r y may be due 10,000,000 whether the potential costs of such 0 an introduction would be worth the to the fact that the market for Chesa- While fresh shucked oysters are the potential benefits (see D.W. Lipton, pe a k e oys t e r s was already declining dominant product, in 1970 they E.F. Lavine and I.E. Strand. 1992. even before the collapse of prod u c - made up 76 percent of production; Journal of Shellfish Research). We ti o n . For example, fr om 1974 to by 1990 fresh shucked oysters followed that study in 1994 with “A 19 9 0 , the number of processing plants accounted for 92 percent. Profile of the Oyster Industry: in the Chesapeake reg ion declined Figure 1 is an index of U.S. per Northeastern United States,” an in- fr om 138 to only 48. Tod a y, only a capita consumption for oysters. depth analysis of the then status of handful of plants remain in the re gi o n Compared with the base year of the east coast oyster industry (D. Lip- for processing Chesapeake- h a r ves t e d 1980, oyster consumption of all prod- ton and J. Kirkley. 1994. Maryland oys t e r s and oys t e r s imported from uct forms and sources and species of Sea Grant Extension and Virginia Sea other re gi o n s . oysters has fallen significantly.This fall Grant Marine Resource Advisory).In In the 1970s, 15 distinct products closely follows the decline in U.S. this report we concluded,“More oys- were processed from Chesapeake oys- oyster supply (Figure 2). The supply ters will not revitalize the oyster ter harvests — by 1990 only six demonstrates that the decline in east- product types were being processed. ern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) pro-

FALL 2002/WINTER 2003 • 5 price also reflected a for oysters. This effect would be loss of the relatively somewhat offset if the production lower value Chesa- were to include more higher valued peake product as half-shell oysters as opposed to oys- $6.00 compared to the ters for the shucking market. How- higher-valued Long ever, the half-shell market is not of $5.00 Island Sound produc- the scale that can absorb quantities of $4.00 tion, which is destined oysters that were traditionally pro- for the half-shell mar- duced in Chesapeake Bay without a $3.00 ket. While the market significant drop in the prices in that $2.00 tested higher prices market as well. Figure 3. Eastern oyster prices in current (2002) dollars. $1.00 from 1987 to 1992, With all the focus on how best these were not sus- to restore oysters in Chesapeake Bay, $0.00duction,mostly due to the decline in tainable high prices in the market how to structure oyster reefs, what the Chesapeake harvest, was not place.Without any significant strain or even what species to use, we compensated by significant increases increase in production, prices should also focus on restoring the in Pacific oysters or imported oyster declined to earlier levels, and in 2001 market for those oysters. How many products. Figure 3 gives the best were at their lowest point in two will we be able to sell, and at what indication of what might have decades. price? Success will not be measured occurred in the oyster market: it What would a significant increase by how many oysters we can pro- shows what happened to the price of in Chesapeake Bay production of any duce, but by whether we can build oysters from 1980 to 2001 with all oyster species mean in the current consumer demand that will sustain a prices adjusted to 2002 dollars. Ini- market? Basic economic principals profitable industry. tially, as Chesapeake oyster supplies tell us that an increase in production collapsed, the scarcity led to signifi- with no corresponding increase in For more information, contact Doug cantly higher prices. The higher demand will lead to yet lower prices Lipton, [email protected]

The blue crab hatchery progra m resulted in yea r - r ound spawn i n g . Blue Crab Research began in the summer of 2000 with In d i vidual females spawned sever a l at COMB funding from the State of Maryl a n d million free - s wimming blue crab lar- and Phillips Seafood Inc. and included vae .The larvae wer e fed with micro- Scientists at the assistance from the Maryland Wat e r - scopic algae and zooplankton and Center of Marin e me n ’ s As s o c i a t i o n . Fu r ther funding went through nine larval stages before Bi o t e c h n o l og y , pa r t has come through the NOAA Chesa- me t a m o r phosing into tiny crabs at of the Univer sity of pe a k e Bay Office. COMB scientists four weeks of age. Optimizing the Ma r yland Biotech- sp a wned blue crabs in the hatchery complex feeding reg imen of the lar- no l o gy Institute, tagged 25,000 hatch- and began rea r ing thousands in tanks vae has resulted in survi val rates of up ery - re a r ed juvenile crabs for rel e a s e at its Columbus Center aquaculture to 70 perce n t . Crabs are aggres s i ve this past summer into study sites on fac i l i t y .Yonathan Zohar say s ,“ We are animals and cannibalistic — experi- the Chesapeake Bay.In stock assess- applying the tools of modern biology ments to minimize cannibalism ment studies conducted with the to better understand the fundamental included providing shelter struc t u re s , Smithsonian Envi r onmental Research pr ocesses invol v ed in blue crab rep r o- large amounts of diver sified food and Ce n t e r , res e a rc h e r s began followi n g du c t i o n , early devel o p m e n t , mo l t i n g , enough space; at the same time, ba b y the marked crabs for up to 14 wee k s growth and aggres s i o n , while devel - crabs wer e sorted by size, wh i c h after their rel e a s e . Du r ing the first oping blue crab hatchery ap p e a r s to have helped maintain high su m m e r , the released crabs (from 1/2 te c h n o l o gie s . ” su rv i val rates. to 1-1/2 inches carapace width) grew Ma t u r e blue crabs wer e place in Initial experiments indicate that to almost 5 inches. tanks and exposed to phase-shifted ha t c h e ry - re a r ed crabs behave similarly env i r onmental conditions, which have to wild crabs.Ac c o r ding to COMB

6 • MARYLAND AQUAFARMER res e a rc h e rs , crabs raised on a hatchery among the leading producers. ar e not present in bival ve s , mi c ro b i a l diet readily begin feeding on natural Because of Maryland’s lower salinity in vad e r s can be killed or inhibited by pr ey at rates similar to wild crabs. waters, natural clam production and the clam’s blood cells and/or serum Other experiments focus on ways to recent aquaculture efforts in the state mo l e c u l e s . The hypothesis being pr omote survi val of released crabs. are in its coastal bays. Clam farms tested is that pathogenic QPX can Those rea r ed in hatchery tanks with- continue to expand, especially with so m e h o w inactivate or evade the out bottom sediments have lower sur- oyster populations in decline, falling cl a m ’ s normal immune mechanisms. vi val until they gain experience in to the diseases Dermo and MSX. One of the most unusual charac- bur ying in order to escape pred a t o rs . However, in a situation eerily similar te r istics of QPX is that it norma l l y Based on current findings, a larger- to oyster disease, some clam opera- se c r etes copious amounts of a muc u s - scale hatchery and nurs e r y is being tions on the east coast have been get- li k e materia l . The mucus can be planned for studies on biology and ting “hit”by a mysterious infection. ob s e r ved surrounding the QPX cells ec o l o gy and the testing of feasibility The infection is caused by a par- both in infected clams and in the of stock enhancement in the asite so recently discover ed that it medium around the cells when they Ch e s a p e a k e. does not yet have a scientific name. ar e propagated in the lab.An d e rs o n ’ s For more information on blue crab Thus the vague moniker Quahog res e a r ch group has been inves t i g a t i n g research at COMB, contact Steve Parasite Unknown , or QPX for short. the role of this secretion as a signifi- Berberich at 301-990-4804 or berberic QPX is a protist that is ingested by cant virulence factor for QPX. @umbi.umd.edu. For details, see the clam as it filters algae from the Br enda Kraus, a laboratory associate, is www.umbi.umd/~comb/ wat e r ; it attacks the clam’s interna l working on the ability of the muc u s or g a n s , fo r ming tiny pinpoints of to protect QPX against the clam’s growing parasite cells surrounded by se r um molecules and blood cells; Research Update halos of dead clam tissue. Fi r st dis- Ch r istie-Sue Decker , who rec e n t l y co ver ed in wild Canadian clam beds, rec e i ved her master’s degree , ex a m - Hard Clams and it has the potential to wipe out entire ined the role of mucus in the inflam- populations of the shellfish. QP X ma t o r y res p o n s e . QPX: Science was later found in clam beds in Mass- The blood of the hard clam con- achusetts and New Hampshire — tains several proteins that will inhibit Stepping Up th e r e has been some wor ry that this the growth of QPX in laboratory Robert S.Anderson and Matt Hall could indicate a southwar d migra t i o n . cu l t u r e. Ho wever , this effect is only University of Maryland Center for QP X ’ s mode of infection and seen if the proteins contact QPX that Environmental Science, Chesapeake exact basis for pathogenicity has yet has been washed free of its muc u s Biological Laboratory to be completely wor k ed out, th o u g h coat or is in a muc u s - f r ee life stage. res e a rc h e r s are currently inves t i g a t i n g The interaction is rapid and the the details — Robert An d e r son at the effects persist even if the serum pro- Ch e s a p e a k e Biological Laboratory, teins are washed off and the QPX pa r t of the Univer sity of Maryl a n d cells are ret u r ned to serum - f re e Center for Envi r onmental Science, is me d i u m . Pre s u m a bl y , these serum one of the scientists trying to unravel pr oteins could be counted upon to just why QPX infections can be so co n t r ol the multiplication of QPX in l e t h a l .A n d e rs o n ’s approach is to study infected clams, th e re b y increa s i n g Quahogs, cherrystones, blood clams, the immun o l o gical response of the resistance and lower ing pathoge n i c i t y . chowder clams,little necks, top necks clam host to the pathogenic parasite Un f o r tunately for the clam, th e — all are synonyms for one species, that causes QPX disease. Li k e other mucoid secretions that coat QPX the hard clam Mercenaria mercenaria. bi val ve s , clams have a number of ef f e c t i vely protect the parasite from An inhabitant of higher salinity in t e r nal defense mechanisms that the anti-QPX proteins of the clams’ waters, the hard clam has become a ef f e c t i vely destroy other microo r g a n - blo o d . major farmed species in east coast isms including bacteria , ye a s t s ,a n d By preincubating washed QPX waters, especially in Virginia which is pro t o z o a n s . While typical antibodies for var ious times before exposure to

FALL 2002/WINTER 2003 • 7 clam serum prot e i n s , Kraus and rec o gnition and uptake of QPX by lating system for growing marine fish An d e r son showed a direct rel a t i o n s h i p clam blood cells, and by stimul a t i n g in d o o rs . The patent cover s much of be t w een mucus coat devel o p m e n t in f l a m m a t o r y responses in infected the prototype marine aquaculture and protection of the parasite from cl a m s . operation at the Columbus Center se r um defense molecules. Not only The most effective defense in Baltimore (www.u m b i . u m d / does QPX mucus protect it against against QPX and other parasitic dis- ~c o m b / ) . With growing criticism of the clam’s blood molecules, but the eases is selection of disease-res i s t a n t the ecological strain that outdoor mucus prob a b ly protects it from the clams to rear in hatcheri e s ,w h e t h e r ponds and netpen fish far ming can blood cells too. Pre l i m i n a r y studies resistance is produced by natural or lead to, rec i r culating systems, even with a confocal laser microscope indi- human-mediated means. In fa c t ,p re- with higher production intensities, cate that muc u s - f r ee QPX cells are li m i n a r y evidence from a study con- offer the potential for minimizing readily phagocytized (that is, th e y are ducted at the Vi r g inia Institute of such envi r onmental impacts, say s in t e r nalized and disabled) by clam Ma r ine Science indicates that clams CO M B di r ector Yonathan Zohar. blood cells; ho wever , this is not the fr om north e r n states and Vi r g inia far e “Our system is generic , and thus case for muc u s - c o ver ed QPX cells. better when exposed to the parasite al l o ws culturing of finfish and shell- The first step in uptake and even t u a l than do clams orig inating from states fish species from war m wat e r , co l d killing of pathogenic microo r g a n i s m s fu r ther south. This observation was a wat e r , ma r ine or estuarine habitats,” by blood cells invol v es rec og n i t i o n deciding factor in the recent decision he says . The fully computerized sys- and binding of the pathogen by the by the Vi r g inia Marine Resource s tem uses artificial seawat e r , ad va n c e d blood cell. It is rea s o n a b le to think Commission to ban import of clam filtration technology , ozone trea t m e n t that this process would be diminished br oodstock from states further south. and control over day-light perio d s , if the pathogen is enveloped by Ho wever , no clam populations seem water temperature and salinity. muc u s , though this is the first experi- to be totally unsusceptible to QPX, While rec i r culating systems have mental evidence to support the idea. making further res e a r ch into its infec- the potential for maintaining disease- Clams and higher animals often tiv i t y , as well as the immune res p o n s e fr ee conditions and producing “c l e a n de velop inflammatory responses to of the clam, im p o r tant to the future fish that are free of contaminants,” in f e c t i o n s ; inflammation can pres e n t of the hard clam industry. By more such systems also req u i r e high up- se r ious prob lems and contrib ute to fully understanding the mechanisms fr ont costs and, li k e all aquaculture the pathology of the infection. A of QPX’s pathoge n i c i t y , it may be op e r a t i o n s , sa ys Andy Lazur, Ma ry l a n d common inflammatory response is po s s i b le to develop rel i a b le techniques Sea Grant Extension Finfish Special- ma s s i ve migration of blood cells to to help clam grower s counter the is t , pr ofitability is vulnerable to many the infected tissue. This can cause effects of QPX. di f f e r ent impacts, whether they are se ver e damage to the tissue as a res u l t unexpected price fluctuations of wild of the excessive outpouring of toxi c For more information on Robert Ander - fi s h e r ies and imports or the avai l a b i l - substances by the blood cells, in an son’s QPX research, see www.cbl.umces. ity of high quality, lo w cost seed. in e f f e c t i ve attempt to destroy the edu. Matt Hall is a faculty research Lazur and Sea Grant Extension Ag e n t infecting microb e s . In lab studies, assistant at the Chesapeake Biological Don Webster have organized wor k - De c k er showed that the muc o i d Laboratory. shops for grower s who use rec i rc u l a t - se c r etions of QPX contain substances ing systems and have cover ed topics that actively attract clam blood cells. COMB Recirculating such as disease control , al t e rn a t i ve This observation suggests a mecha- species and biofiltration. nism for the heavy infiltration by Aquaculture System blood cells of the tissues seen in his- To learn more about recirculating systems to l o gical sections of sites of QPX Patented from Maryland Sea Grant Extension, contact Andy Lazur at 410-221-8474 in f e c t i o n . One conclusion is that the The Center of Marine Biotech- mucus coat contrib utes in at least or [email protected]. For information nology, a research arm of the Univer- about the COMB recirculating system, th r ee ways to QPX pathoge n i c i t y : by sity of Maryland Biotechnology In s t i - pr otecting against anti-QPX serum contact Steve Berberich, 301-990-4804 tu t e , has rec e i ved a patent on the or berberic@umbi. umd.edu. mo l e c u l e s , by protecting against pr ocess for a fully-contained, rec i rc u -

8 • MARYLAND AQUAFARMER Book Review

the product of efforts by authors tend to entrap river-borne sediments Fisheries in Europe from 11 European countries who and plankton, including planktonic Fishes in Estuaries, edited by Michael have collaborated to write the 10 stages of fish. Elliott and Krystal Hemingway. Blackwell chapters that broadly address issues Aquaculture in estuaries and Science (Iowa State Press, a Blackwell ranging from estuarine habitats, to issues related to culture are not Publishing Company), Ames, Iowa. fisheries, biodiversity, anthropogenic emphasized in this book.Though the 2002. 636 pp. $144.99. www.iowastatepress. com stresses, science approaches/methods, potential for aquaculture facilities and management. The initial collab- such as net pens to have an impact Edward D. Houde, University of oration that led to the book derived on estuarine habitat and water quality Maryland Center for Environmental from a European Community pro- is mentioned, it is not discussed in Science, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory gram, although the book is not a any detail. In a chapter on invasive product of that program. The chap- species, aquaculture is noted with ters are not individually contributed respect to potential introduction of stuaries are water bodies that papers, but rather are co-authored, “biological pollutants” into estuarine serve as a link between the land collaborative works that address ecosystems and with respect to possi- and sea — while they are highly E chapter topics defined at the outset. ble inadvertent introduction of dis- productive, they are often heavily uti- Editor Elliott is also the major con- eases. In the chapter Endangered and lized and impacted by human activi- tributing author and, I suspect, the Threatened Species, the authors state ties. Some of those impacts are driving force behind the book. incorrectly that shads (alosines) “are reflected in alteration of habitats, The book successfully compiles extensively farmed” in the U.S. deterioration of water quality, heavy and catalogs information, presenting Although aquaculturists will not use by shipping and boating interests it in summarized tabular form in learn anything about culture meth- and, of course, significant fishing many instances, and occasionally pro- ods, or even obtain an overview of effort. Estuaries are the spawning viding case studies that give useful estuarine aquaculture, the book does areas of many anadromous fishes and perspectives. While also successful in provide a broad overview of estuar- serve as nurseries for the young of meeting the stated goal of bringing ine habitats and fisheries, and a strong many coastal-spawning and anadro- information on estuarine fish and focus on concerns related to human mous species; they are often the site shellfish together on a wide pan- activities and inputs to estuaries. as well of coastal aquaculture and fish European basis, it is less successful, in These topics will be of interest to farming activities. Hundreds of my view, in being “a synthesis of new those engaged in estuarine aquacul- research papers have been written data.” Inclusion of both Geographi- ture or anticipating such ventures. about fish ecology and fisheries in cal and Taxonomic Indices is very My conclusion after reading the estuaries in recent decades, most of helpful for readers interested in find- book is that research on fish in Euro- which focus on particular issues in a ing information on particular estuar- pean estuaries is on a parallel path specific estuary. ies and species. Reference lists at the with research being conducted in Fishes in Estuaries brings together, end of each chapter are comprehen- North America and in estuaries on collates,and summarizes a massive sive, but limited mostly to European other continents. Major concerns amount of data and knowledge on literature. I discovered several impor- about habitat destruction and alter- European estuaries as it relates to fish tant references to Estuarine Turbidity ation, and on pollutant/contaminant (including shellfish) and fisheries. In Maximum (ETM) regions, a present introductions are prominent in a fact,“European” should have been in interest, that will be useful in research global perspective. The need to bet- the title, for the book purposefully now being conducted in my lab. ter understand trophic interactions emphasizes estuaries on the European ETMs are zones in estuaries where and to estimate biological production continent, with only occasional refer- freshwater and saltwater converge and is universal, as is the emphasis on ence to other estuaries. The book is

FALL 2002/WINTER 2003 • 9 causes of variability in abundances and recruitment. Overall, I found Fisheries in Seafood Nutrition Education Estuaries to be a nice compendium of work on estuarine fishes in Europe Gayle Mason-Jenkins, Seafood Education Specialist that successfully collated and summarized material from many individual eafood can be important for a them, the University of Maryland estuaries. It does not make a strong healthy nutritional diet. To Eastern Shore’s Hotel Restaurant, or new intellectual contribution to S begin with, Omega-3 polyunsatu- Human Ecology, Education Units, understanding estuarine fish and rated oil, a compound that can the health Departments for Som- fisheries, but that was not the reduce the risk of stroke and erset and Wicomico Counties, the authors’ objective. The book obvi- heart attack, is common to most Maryland Hospitality Education ously will be of most interest to seafood. In addition, fish oils may Foundation, the Maryland Depart- European scientists and resource also act as anti-inflammatory ment of Education.To date, more managers, though students from the agents and counter such problems than 1000 professionals and indi- U.S. who are undertaking thesis as asthma and rheumatoid arthri- viduals have participated in these research on estuarine fish or tis.With a few exceptions (for programs. fisheries should consult it to learn instance, squid, fish roe and To educate consumers about about progress and knowledge prawns), fish are also low in fat food safety, we have to recognize gained outside of North America. and cholesterol, though high in the difference that seafood can I certainly recommend that Fishes protein — a third of a pound of make in a balanced diet.This in Estuaries be acquired by fish fillet, for instance, can provide means targeted education not only research libraries at institutions as much as 60 percent of daily for individual consumers but for emphasizing marine and estuarine protein needs. Seafood also is an teachers and trainers.With our science. important natural source of vita- partners we have conducted wide mins such as iron and zinc — ranging programs, including those For current research efforts by Dr. Edward iron helps in red blood cell for- in food safety, ethnic foods/diverse Houde, see www.cbl.umces.edu.To learn mation, while zinc can help heal audiences, food-borne illness and more about research related to the Estuar - wounds.Though there have been HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical ine Turbidity Maximum and relationships many public awareness campaigns Control Point). For example, between biology and physics in Chesa - nationally and regionally about “Your One and Only Body” was peake Bay, see Trophic Interaction in the health benefits of seafood, designed to teach participants how Estuarine Systems, www.chesapeake.org/ many consumers are reluctant to to recognize the impact that food ties/overview/overview.html prepare fish and shellfish at home choices have on the body in the because of uncertainties about short and long term.A program at handling, preparation and storage. the Delaware Cooperative Exten- It is for such reasons that Mary- sion’s Annual Family Conference land Sea Grant Extension has at Delaware State University, a been committed to educating workshop for 200 professionals consumers on all aspects of and individuals, focused on food seafood nutrition, from health to safety, and selecting and handling handling. sea vegetables and seafood To leverage our educational products. efforts, Sea Grant Extension and Maryland Cooperative Extension For more information on seafood have partnered with other organi- nutrition education programs, contact zations and agencies in numbers Gayle Mason-Jenkins at 410-651- of outreach programs, among 6212 or gmjenkins@mail. umes.edu.

10 • MARYLAND AQUAFARMER ORP’s efforts, which are coordinated New Coastal New Publications with the Maryland DNR, federal agencies, Maryland watermen,com- Community Chesapeake Quarterly munity organizations and numbers of Fall 2002 other partners, are detailed on its Specialist website. Upcoming issues of the This third issue of Maryland Sea newsletter are featuring restoration Rachel Smyk-Newton is the Grant’s new publication focuses on activities in various parts of the Bay. Maryland Sea Grant Extension Coas- Crassostrea ariakensis, the Asian oyster tal Community Specialist.Located in which has given indications it can For more information, contact Executive the Department of Agricultural and tolerate the two parasitic diseases, Director Charles Frentz, Oyster Recovery Resource Economics at the Univer- MSX and Dermo, that have been Partnership,P.O. Box 6775,Annapolis, sity of Maryland College Park, this devastating the Bay’s native oyster. Maryland 21401, 410-990-4970, and new position has been made possible The feature article “Crisis and Con- on the web at www.oysterrecovery.org with an enhancement grant from troversy:Does the Bay Need a New NOAA’s National Sea Grant College Oyster” examines the ecological and Pier Review Program. The aim of this enhance- social implications of introducing C. ment is to build additional capacity This new quarterly newsletter ariakensis to the Chesapeake. A sec- from the Center of Marine Biotech- in Sea Grant programs to form part- ond articles profiles Sea Grant Shell- nerships with other public and pri- nology (COMB), a research center of fish Extension Specialist Don Meritt the University of Maryland Biotech- vate organizations and agencies con- and the hatchery he runs at the Horn cerned with sustainable development. nology Institute, highlights scientific Point Laboratory (part of the Univer- efforts in a number of areas, includ- Ms. Smyk-Newton has come to sity of Maryland Center for Environ- Maryland Sea Grant from the NOAA ing aquaculture and fisheries biotech- mental Science, UMCES) — under nology and marine natural products. Coastal Services Center Coastal Meritt, the hatchery has become a Management where she worked with Of special interest is COMB research key factor in research and oyster on the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus — the Maryland Coastal Zone Manage- restoration in Maryland, particularly ment Program. Among her activities, more than 40,000 juvenile crabs have in its partnering with the Oyster been produced for studies on biology she led an effort to develop Mary- Recovery Partnership, the Maryland land’s comprehensive shoreline ero- and ecology, both for the laboratory Department of Natural Resources and limited field studies. sion control plan, worked with coun- and other agencies and organizations. ties on their regional shoreline ero- Chesapeake Quarterly can be read For more information and a subscription sion control plans and worked on on-line at www.mdsg.umd.edu/CQ; implementing provisions of Mary- to Pier Review contact COMB, 701 a free print subscription and past East Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland land’s Sea Level Rise Response Strat- issues are available by contacting egy. She has also worked as a Wet- 21202, 410-234-8800, and on the web Jeannette Connors, connors@mdsg. at umbi.umd.edu/~comb/ lands Restoration Program Specialist umd.edu or 301-403-4220, ext. 22. for the National Marine Fisheries Japanese Hatchery-based Stock Service Restoration Center in Silver The Bay Restorer Spring, Maryland. Ms. Smyk-New- Enhancement: Lessons for the ton holds a B.A. from Smith College This newsletter from the Oyster Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Recovery Partnership reports on its and a Master’s degree in Environ- David H. Secor, Anson H. Hines and mental Science and Management activities in planting oyster spat Allen R. Place, 2002 from the University of California, throughout Maryland’s portion of the Santa Barbara. Chesapeake. In the last several years, As the Chesapeake Bay blue crab the non-profit ORP has stepped up fishery continues to face heavy fish- For more information on Maryland Sea its role in coordinating the planting ing pressure and a faltering stock, Grant coastal community efforts, contact of disease-free oyster spat (see above) many have questioned the potential Ms. Smyk-Newton at rsmyknewton@ on managed reserves and sanctuaries. of raising crabs in hatcheries, study- arec.umd.edu or 301-405-5809.

FALL 2002/WINTER 2003 • 11 ing their reproductive biology, and fish fa rm e rs deal with a host of prob - then releasing them to the wild. Aquafarmer Reader le m s , mo r e on crab far ming and soft While researchers at the Center of Survey c r a b s ,m o re on univers i t y - re l a t e d Marine Biotechnology have been pr ojects and articles on the techniques raising crabs and have begun a pro- This past year we asked you our of producing shellfish and finfish. gram to explore the implications of readers to assess Maryland Aquafarmer, This summary is based on a releasing crabs in Bay locations, ques- to tell us who you are and how we response rate of about 25 percent, tions have been raised about the can better serve your interests and which is to say that there may be implications for the commercial fish- needs.We sent a questionnaire to our many of you who would like to have ery and on natural stocks. more than 1000 subscribers (this us cover other topics in particular To learn how crab aquaculture doesn’t include those who access ways.I hope to hear from you if that has fared in Japan, which has 30 years Aquafarmer On-Line, an average of is so — not with a questionnaire but experience, and if that experience some 4000 a month). Our first aim directly by letter, phone, e-mail or holds any lessons for blue crab aqua- was to find out about your range of the web. Aquafarmer On-Line will culture in the Chesapeake, Maryland interests — the categories weren’t have a direct link so that you can Sea Grant College sent a team of mutually exclusive, so that a sub- contact me directly.You will also be three researchers, each with a differ- scriber might check off several inter- able to respond to articles in which ent background, on a two-week ests.With this said,those who identi- you may differ with the author or study tour of facilities there. Japanese fied aquaculture in general accounted want to add information that we Hatchery-based Stock Enhancement, for 41 percent of the returns — 27 didn’t cover. Maryland Aquafarmer which is the result of that visit, percent of the total responses identi- aims to report to you on the Mary describes efforts in Japan to raise and fied an interest in finfish aquaculture, land Sea Grant Extension Program release juvenile swimming crabs to followed by shellfish aquaculture and to serve the needs of our diverse the open environment, as a means (23%), university research (20%), constituencies.We look forward to of trying to increase stocks for com- commercial fishing and government hearing from you. Merrill Leffler, mercial crabbing.The report also agency (14%),soft crab shedding editor; [email protected]; 301- details the diverging views of the (13%), restoration (10%), seafood pro- 403-4220, Ext. 20. research team: one view holds that cessing (8%); while we separated K- hatcheries for restocking blue crabs 12 and college education, together Maryland Sea Grant offers considerable promise, especially they accounted for 16 percent. A for particular river systems or sub- diverse group of readers! Research Program estuaries; on opposing view points Most of you (94%) felt that arti- out the vastness of the Chesapeake Maryland Sea Grant will support cles were written at the “right” level, 10 research projects at six research system compared with the relatively neither too technical nor too simple. smaller Japanese embayments, and institutions in 2003 and 2004; they As far as subjects that you found cover priority areas for Maryland and argues that stocking will probably most interesting, on a scale of 1 (most prove ineffective. the mid-Atlantic in Fisheries and interested) to five (least interested), Aquaculture, Disease,Technology, there was not a great deal of separa- For copies of the report,contact Jeannette Restoration and Estuarine Processes. tion among the following, though I These projects were selected based Connors at 301-403-4220, ext. 22 or have listed them in descending order: [email protected] report is on extensive scientific reviews and K-12 education, commercial fishing, reviews by the Maryland Sea Grant also available on the web at www.mdsg. recreational fishing, seafood process- umd.edu/crabs. Extension Program. Information ing, soft crab shedding, shellfish and about research institutions is included finfish farming.As far as quality in at the end of the list. general, 35 percent rated Aquafarmer excellent, 55 percent very good, 10 Winter Mortality of Chesapeake Blue percent good and three respondents Crabs, Callinectes sapidus.Anson gave an average rating. Hines (SERC),Victor Kennedy You requested articles on the way (HPL) and Thomas Miller (CBL)

12 • MARYLAND AQUAFARMER A Novel Approach to Inducing Sterility in Farmed Fish: Disrupting the Early Calendar Establishment of the Gonadotropin System.Yonathan Zohar (COMB) Growth and Recruitment of Juvenile Oyster Research and Restoration: Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab. Dave Developing Strategies for the Futur e Secor and Rodger Harvey (CBL) Immunological Approaches to Under- Annapolis, Maryland • February 17-18, 2003 standing QPX Disease. Robert Anderson (CBL) Organization of Chitinosomes in Microbulbifer degradans:A Strategy for Bioremediation. Ronald Weiner and Steve Hutchinson (UMCP) Sediment Biogeochemistry and Seagrass Bed Development:A Strategy for Bioremediation. Michael Kemp, Laura Murray and Jeffrey Cornwell (HPL) Do Oyster Filtration and Wave Attenua- or more than a decade, NOAA’s status of oyster disease research; and tion Associated with Oyster Reefs National Sea Grant College Pro- synthesize developments for manage- and Breakwaters Improve Sea Grass F Habitat? Raleigh Hood, Evamaria gram has supported wide-ranging ment oyster restoration.Workgroups Koch,Roger Newell, Elizabeth efforts to counter the impacts of oys- will develop recommendations and North (HPL) ter disease and to address the many strategies on the following topics: setbacks and challenges that the oys- Benthic Studies in Chesapeake Bay: • Oyster fisheries management and ter industry has been faced with. (1) Analysis and Synthesis of Faunal restoration Data in Relation to Sediment and Among these efforts are the congres- Water Column Interactions, and (2) sionally-funded Oyster Disease • Aquaculture and hatchery issues Scope for Future Needs. Robert Research Program and the Gulf • Genetics and oyster populations Marinelli (CBL) Industry Oyster Program, which The Role of Small Inlets as Potential have been developing new tools for • MSX and Dermo — frontiers in Reactor Vessels for Gelatinous Zoo- disease diagnosis, breeding disease- disease and diagnostics research plankton in Chesapeake Bay. Denise resistant oyster strains, modeling, Breitburg (ANSERC) • Public health and processing rapid detection of human pathogens Quantifying the Magnitude of Nitrogen The meeting will offer an opportu- and Phosphorus Removal Associated in shellfish and new processing methods to ensure public health. nity for participants to provide sub- with Restoration of Oysters in the stantive input that will lead to the Chesapeake Bay. Roger Newell, Jeff In an important meeting this definition of new program priorities. Cornwell and Donald Meritt (HPL) February, the National Sea Grant College joins with Maryland and For registration, hotel reserva- CBL (Chesapeake Biological Laboratory) & Virginia Sea Grant in bringing tions and other information on the HPL (Horn Point Laboratory) are part of the together representatives of the scien- meeting, which is limited to 150, University of Maryland Center of Envi- tific, management, industry and pub- visit the web: www.mdsg.umd.edu/ ronmental Studies lic outreach communities to build on oysters/meeting or contact one of COMB (Center of Marine Biotechnology) the following organizers: is part of the Maryland Biotechnology those past accomplishments and to Institute chart strategies and priorities for Jonathan Kramer UMCP – University of Maryland future directions.The meeting will College Park [email protected] include plenary sessions and facili- William Rickards ANSERC – the Academy of Natural tated workgroups.The plenaries will Science Estuarine Research Center [email protected] SERC (Smithsonian Environmental summarize the status of oyster fish- Jim Mcvey Research Center) eries in the U.S.; share the current [email protected]

FALL 2002/WINTER 2003 • 13 East Coast Commercial Fishermen’s & Aquaculture Trade Exposition Seminar Sessions and Future Waterman’s Program Ocean City, Maryland • February 1-2, 2003 Seminars and junior waterman’s program organized by the Mid-Atlantic Sea Grant College Programs

12:30 Disease Impacts on Blue Crab 11:30 QPX, an Emerging Disease of Jr. Waterman’s Program Populations, Jeffrey Shield,VIMS Hard Clams:What Do We Know and What Can We Do about It? Saturday, 12:00-4:00 1:00 The Drought and Disease in Lisa Ragone Calvo,Virginia Insti- Native Oysters,Christopher C. tute of Marine Science Children move at their own pace Judy, Maryland Department of through this interactive, hands-on pro- Natural Resources 12:00 The Growth and Development of gram highlighting fishing, aquaculture the East Coast Shellfish Growers and the aquatic environment. Designed Blue Crab Research Association: How It Benefits to be a trade-show of their own,these Shellfish Farmers, Karen Rivara, Junior Watermen will get up close and Chaired by Doug Lipton, University of President,Aeros Cultured Oyster personal with the wet and wild,paint a Maryland Sea Grant Extension Company, Inc. fish, harvest oysters,cast out their best lines, and much, much more. Jackie 1:30 Overview of NOAA-Supported Start-Up Aquaculture Blue Crab Research, Derek Takacs and Adam Frederick,Maryland 12:30 Aquaculture Production Systems: Orner, NOAA Chesapeake Bay Sea Grant Extension Program,Vickie Extensive vs Intensive, Michael Office Clark,Virginia Institute of Marine Schwarz,Virginia Seafood Agri- Science. 1:50 Migration of Adult Female Blue cultural Research and Extension Crabs to Spawning Grounds: Center Seminars – Saturday Mechanism and Routes, Tom 1:00 Marketing and Economic Con- Wolcott,North Carolina State siderations,Andy Lazur, Univer- University sity of Maryland Sea Grant Commercial Fisheries 2:15 The Use of Sanctuaries and Cor- 1:30 Direct Marketing Channels for Targeted Harvesting ridors by Chesapeake Blue Crabs, Tilapia, Charles W. Coale, Jr., Rom Lipcius,VIMS 11:00 Black Sea Bass:Discard Mortality Virginia Tech in Pot Fisheries, Robert Fisher, 2:35 Hatchery Mass Production of 2:00 Example of a Low-Tech Virginia Sea Grant Blue Crab Juveniles for Stock Approach to Aquaculture, Daniel Enhancement Research, Kaufman,Virginia Seafood Agri- 11:30 Effects of Potomac River Fish- Yonathan Zohar, University of cultural Research and Extension eries Bycatch Reduction Panels Maryland Center of Marine Center on Pound-net and Haul-seine Biotechnology Catch Composition,Chris Hager, 2:20 Aquaculture and Food Safety, Virginia Institute of Marine Michael Jahncke,Virginia Seafood Science (VIMS) Aquaculture Agricultural Research and Exten- sion Center Chaired by Andy Lazur, University of Species Health Maryland Sea Grant Extension 2:10 Aquaculture Information 12:00 Mycobacterium:What Is It Resources,Andy Lazur, Univer- Doing to Our Fish? Andrew S. Hard Clam Culture sity of Maryland Sea Grant Kane, University of Maryland Extension College Park 11:00 Clam Culture Economics and Outlook,Thomas Murray,VIMS 2:20 Question and Discussion Period, Start-up Aquaculture Panel

14 • MARYLAND AQUAFARMER 11:40 Progress with Disease Resistance, 1:00 Maryland Update, Noreen Seminars – Sunday Mark Camara,VIMS Eberly, Maryland Department of Agriculture Commercial Fisheries and 12:00 The Asian Oyster: Can the Seafood Native Oyster Compete? Mark Regulations Affect Off-shore Luckenbach,VIMS Vessels Can We Bring Oysters Back to the Chesapeake? 12:20 The French Experience, F. 1:20 Vessel Stability and Watertight William Sieling,Chesapeake Bay Integrity Rules, Robert G. 11:00 Maryland Perspective, Chris Judy, Seafood Industries Association Garrott, U.S. Coast Guard Maryland DNR State Marketing Programs 1:40 Large Whale Take Reduction 11:20 Virginia Perspective, Jim Wesson, Plan, Glenn Salvador, National Virginia Marine Resources 12:40 Virginia Update, Shirley A. Estes, Marine Fisheries Service Commission Virginia Marine Products Board

Sea Grant Extension Phone Numbers and E-Mail Addresses

Doug Lipton, SGEP Coordinator and Marine Economist 301-405-1280 [email protected] Don Webster, Marine Agent 410-827-8056 [email protected] Jackie Takacs, Marine Agent 410-326-7356 [email protected] Don Meritt, Shellfish Aquaculture Specialist 410-221-8475 [email protected] Andy Lazur, Finfish Aquaculture Specialist 410-221-8474 [email protected] Dan Terlizzi,Water Quality Specialist 410-234-8896 [email protected] Tom Rippen, Seafood Technology Specialist 410-651-6636 [email protected] Adam Frederick, Education Specialist 410-234-8850 [email protected] Gayle Mason-Jenkins, Seafood Specialist 410-651-6212 [email protected] Rachel Smyk-Newton, Coastal Communties Specialist 301-405-5809 [email protected] Merrill Leffler, Communications Specialist 301-403-4220, x20 [email protected] Michelle O’Herron, Environmental Finance Center 301-403-4220, x26 [email protected]

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, University of Maryland, College Park, and local governments. Thomas A. Fretz, Director of Maryland Cooperative Extension, University of Maryland, College Park. ______

The Maryland Sea Grant Extension Program is a joint effort of the Maryland Cooperative Extension and the Maryland Sea Grant College, supported in part by NOAAOffice of Sea Grant, Department of Commerce. ______

The University of Maryland is equal opportunity. The University’s policies, programs, and activities are in conformance with pertinent Federal and State laws and regulations on nondiscrimination regarding race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital and parental status, and disability. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990; or related legal requirements should be addressed to the Director of Personnel/Human Relations, Office of the Dean, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Symons Hall, College Park, MD, 20742. The Maryland Aquafarmer is a quarterly publication of the MARYLAND COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE, UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND COLLEGE PARK AND EASTERN SHORE with support from the MARYLAND SEA GRANT COLLEGE PROGRAM. This publication is mailed free of charge to those interested in aquaculture research and education. Address corrections are requested. The publication is also accessible on the World Wide Web through the Maryland Sea Grant College home page. Our address is:

www.mdsg.umd.edu/MDSG/Extension/Aquafarmer/index.html

Merrill Leffler, Editor Maryland Sea Grant College 4321 Hartwick Road, Suite 300, University of Maryland, College Park 20740 Tel: 301-403-4220, x20