UPDATE: Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has just announced a crucial two-week extension of the commercial oyster season, now running until April 14, 2026. This urgent measure comes in response to severe ice conditions that have hampered watermen’s ability to harvest oysters in the Chesapeake Bay.
The decision follows extensive discussions with industry stakeholders and scientists, highlighting the need to support watermen who have faced significant losses due to frozen waterways and declining market demand. DNR Secretary Josh Kurtz emphasized the importance of this extension, stating, “Maryland’s watermen have faced a difficult oyster season… This oyster season extension will give them additional opportunities to boost their livelihoods and the local communities where they live.”
This extension, effective from February 23, 2026, will maintain all current gear restrictions and bushel limits, while handscraping in hand tong areas will remain prohibited. The decision aims to help watermen recoup some of their losses during a challenging market. Reports indicate that many buyers have only been purchasing oysters from harvesters as infrequently as once a week.
The latest data reveals that Maryland’s oyster population is experiencing a remarkable resurgence. The 2025 Maryland oyster stock assessment reported adult oyster populations in state waters have more than tripled to 7.6 billion oysters since a low of 2.4 billion oysters in 2005. This increase is attributed to effective restoration and management efforts by DNR, ensuring the sustainability of oyster populations in local rivers and the Bay.
The DNR is acutely aware of the ice’s impact on Maryland waterways. Agency staff conducted ice-breaking operations using state vessels to keep navigation channels open, enabling access to fishing grounds. However, frigid temperatures led to rapid refreezing, leaving many commercial fishing boats unable to operate.
Maryland residents can play a vital role in supporting local watermen. By purchasing oysters at seafood markets and restaurants, residents can directly contribute to the livelihoods of those affected by this season’s challenges. The DNR’s collaboration with the Department of Health and the Department of the Environment ensures that Maryland’s oyster-growing waters meet health and safety standards under the National Shellfish Sanitation Program, which oversees the safety of shellfish harvesting.
As the commercial oyster season continues, all eyes will be on the watermen who rely on this extension to recover from a tumultuous year. The importance of this announcement cannot be overstated, as it promises to have a significant impact on local communities throughout Maryland.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops and the effects of the extended season unfold.
