"Given the huge amount of recreational boating that goes on around here, that type of operation would just restrict and conflict so much with that recreational use. The two, I think, don't work well together," City Engineer Terry McGean told Brian Shane of
DelmarvaNow.
Accorsing to the news report, aquaculture -- the farming of shellfish, crustaceans and other aquatic plants in their natural habitats -- recently has seen a burst of popularity among environmental advocates for its potential to maintain necessary levels of oysters in Maryland's coastal bays. Elected officials see it as a viable economic boon to the state's shellfish industry.
McGean's letter notes how state regulations are set to take effect Oct. 1 which would establish what sort of locations would be approved for aquaculture. The letter to DNR Secretary John Griffin explicitly asks that all waters within Ocean City boundaries be deemed as not approved for aquaculture and submerged land leasing.
Attempts to Block Aquaculture in Ocean City
OCEAN CITY, US - The Town Council is expected to consider a move that would keep state aquaculture efforts out of resort waters because it would interfere with recreational boating.
