MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES ANNOUNCE PRICING FOR FRESH OYSTER PURCHASES

State of Maryland - The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has formally announced the maximum prices it will pay for purchasing fresh oyster shells, along with the costs associated with their transportation and planting.

This initiative is part of the Department's ongoing efforts to support oyster restoration and replenishment programs throughout the state.

Under the new pricing structure, the DNR will pay $4.75 per bushel for fresh oyster shells if its staff handles the loading and transportation. If the shell owner loads the shells into DNR trucks or onto planting vessels, the price increases to $5.25 per bushel.

In instances where the shell owner manages both the loading and transportation to a DNR-designated location, the Department will compensate $5.75 per bushel.

Additionally, the hauling and planting of the shells will be compensated at $2.50 per bushel.

These pricing guidelines will take effect on April 11, 2025, at 12:01 a.m., and are aimed at individuals involved in selling, transporting, and planting fresh oyster shells as part of the state's ecological preservation efforts. This announcement aligns with the Code of Maryland Regulations, which requires that a fair market price for oyster shells be established annually before the start of each planting season.

For more information, please contact the Fishing and Boating Services division at 410-260-8302. This update emphasizes the DNR's commitment to maintaining sustainable oyster populations and promoting environmental health through responsible resource management.