Maryland Governor Wes Moore has proposed the Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act, a legislative measure aimed at improving the health of the Chesapeake Bay while also supporting sustainable farming and aquaculture industries. The bill is part of his administration’s 2025 legislative agenda and seeks to modernize conservation practices, expand economic opportunities, and ensure cleaner waterways for future generations.
The legislation takes a multi-faceted approach to protecting Maryland’s most valuable natural resource. It introduces initiatives to promote regenerative agriculture, streamlines the process for obtaining oyster aquaculture permits, and enhances water quality monitoring to better track pollution reduction efforts. Governor Moore emphasized that the Chesapeake Bay is not just an environmental priority but also a key driver of Maryland’s economy, supporting tourism, fishing, and farming.
“The Chesapeake Bay is a vital part of Maryland’s economy, heritage, and future,” Moore said. “This legislation ensures that we are taking a comprehensive approach to conservation while also creating opportunities for farmers, watermen, and small businesses. Clean water and sustainable practices are essential for long-term economic success.”
A major component of the bill focuses on agriculture, particularly regenerative farming. The legislation would allow farmers who implement soil-improving practices to obtain long-term leases on state-owned farmland. This effort aims to remove barriers for new and young farmers by ensuring they have access to land where they can implement sustainable growing techniques.
The proposed legislation also introduces a new recognition and incentive program for environmentally responsible farmers. Through the Leaders in Environmentally Engaged Farming Program, the Maryland Department of Agriculture will acknowledge and reward farmers who implement best management practices to improve water quality and restore watersheds.
In addition to agriculture, the bill supports Maryland’s growing aquaculture industry by simplifying the permit renewal process for oyster growers. Currently, leaseholders often face long delays when renewing permits, which can disrupt their operations. The proposed changes would allow them to continue working while applications are being processed, preventing unnecessary interruptions in production.
Aquaculture is an essential industry in Maryland, contributing over 13 million dollars to the state’s economy each year. The state has seen record oyster harvests in recent years, exceeding 90,000 bushels annually. In recognition of the environmental benefits oysters provide, the bill would allow oyster restoration projects to qualify for water quality trading credits, incentivizing private investment in reef restoration efforts.
The Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act also seeks to expand water quality monitoring in key areas. By collecting more detailed data, the state can better identify pollution sources and target restoration efforts where they will have the greatest impact. This approach is designed to improve efficiency in conservation efforts while ensuring communities across Maryland benefit from cleaner waterways.
Fisheries management policies would also be modernized under the proposed legislation. The bill includes provisions to make Maryland’s seafood industry more adaptable to climate change, streamline fishery regulations, and introduce new processing techniques that could help local seafood producers reach higher-value markets.
Maryland environmental advocates and industry leaders have expressed support for the legislation, citing its balanced approach to conservation and economic growth. Chesapeake Bay Foundation Maryland Executive Director Allison Colden called the proposal an important step forward in protecting the Bay while also supporting those who rely on it for their livelihoods.
“The Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act brings hope for a healthier and more resilient future,” Colden said. “This legislation gives our farmers, watermen, oyster growers, and restoration scientists the tools they need to succeed, and in turn, will reduce pollution in our rivers and streams. We urge the General Assembly to pass this bill for the betterment of the Chesapeake Bay and Maryland’s people.”
The bill now heads to the Maryland General Assembly, where lawmakers will debate its provisions in the coming months. If passed, it could mark a significant shift in how the state approaches conservation, agriculture, and aquaculture, ensuring long-term environmental and economic benefits.
