Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Harris Creek Oyster Restoration

Harris Creek, a tributary of the Choptank River, will be the site for the first large-scale, tributary-based oyster restoration project in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Harris creek was chosen by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Army Corps Baltimore District, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) because of its high likelihood to succeed. The same team is developing a scientific “blueprint” to guide restoration in the creek.

The project will include the planting of oysters on nearly 100 acres in 2012, with a long term goal of restoring 300-600 acres. The Army Corps is also scheduled to plant 20 acres of new shell and stone substrate to enhance the river bottom to support the new oyster reefs.

If current funding levels continue, the restoration project should take between 2-5 years to complete. Funds for these restoration activities are provided primarily by DNR, the Army Corps and NOAA.

source: MD DNR

Saturday, May 5, 2012

2012 Mid-Atlantic Waterways Conference

The U.S. Coast Guard, Army Corps of Engineers, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, towing industries, passenger vessel industries, and other maritime industrial stakeholders met April 23-25, for the 2012 Mid-Atlantic Waterways Conference in Norfolk.

During the conference, participants focused on the agenda of "Streamlining Cooperation, Knowledge and Assets."

The conference allowed multi-agencies, including military, industrial and local governmental, to discuss in an open forum lessons, dangers, problems and solutions to all maritime industry.

Hosted by the Passenger Vessel Association, the event featured speakers from the Coast Guard, the Army Corps of Engineers, NOAA, and Virginia Department of Transportation.

Among the topics discussed were new commercial fishery regulations, issues on navigation in the mid-Atlantic region, hurricane Irene, future roles of the Coast Guard, marine casualties, and offshore wind farms.

source: USCG 5th District