Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources has granted a two-week extension to the commercial oyster season, pushing the closing date to April 14, 2026, to provide relief to watermen hampered by ice-covered waterways and a soft market for their catch.
DNR Secretary Josh Kurtz approved the extension on Thursday, February 19, 2026, with the new rule taking effect February 23, 2026. The original season end date was March 31, 2026. All existing gear restrictions and daily bushel limits remain unchanged during the extension period. Handscraping for oysters in hand tong areas continues to be prohibited.
“Maryland’s watermen have faced a difficult oyster season after recent declines in market demand and ice on waterways blocked access to traditional harvest areas,” Kurtz stated. “This oyster season extension will give them additional opportunities to boost their livelihoods and the local communities where they live. DNR made this decision after extensive conversations with industry stakeholders and scientists. Coordinated oyster restoration and management efforts led by DNR have resulted in a multi-year increase of the overall oyster population in Maryland. We are confident that extending the season will not affect the ongoing resurgence of oysters in the Bay and local rivers.”
The decision follows a formal request from the State Oyster Committee, composed of representatives from county oyster committees. The chair of DNR’s Tidal Fish Advisory Commission, which includes commercial watermen and seafood dealers, reviewed and endorsed the proposal before it reached DNR for final approval.
Frigid weather in January and early February froze many Chesapeake Bay tributaries and other waterways, severely limiting access for harvest boats. DNR staff operated two state vessels for ice-breaking to keep navigation channels open, but rapid refreezing often forced watermen to remain docked.
Compounding the weather challenges, watermen reported reduced buyer activity, with some processors purchasing oysters only one day per week or less over the past two seasons, despite ample oysters in harvest areas.
The extension arrives amid positive trends in oyster populations. The 2025 Maryland oyster stock assessment, conducted by DNR and the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, estimated adult oyster numbers in state waters at 7.6 billion—more than triple the 2.4 billion low recorded in 2005. Overall abundance exceeded 12 billion oysters in 2024, including juveniles. The fall oyster spat survey documented strong reproduction in 2024, building on a record 2023 spatfall of about 87 spat per bushel—nearly four times the long-term median of 23.6.
DNR emphasized that ongoing restoration, including sanctuary plantings and management measures, supports this resurgence without risking long-term sustainability.
The agency, along with the Maryland Department of Health and Department of the Environment, continues rigorous monitoring under the National Shellfish Sanitation Program to ensure safe harvesting waters.
Southern Maryland watermen, who rely on Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River harvests, stand to benefit directly from the added time, as do coastal communities tied to the industry. Officials encouraged consumers to support local watermen by buying Maryland oysters at markets and restaurants.