Bill > SB841

This bill requires the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to establish a public clam fishery area in the Chesapeake Bay through a regulatory process. The area will be determined by analyzing commercial clam harvesting data from the three years prior to June 1, 2025, along with any departmental surveys and other quantitative data. Importantly, the bill explicitly prohibits leasing this designated public clam fishery area for shellfish aquaculture, which means private companies or individuals cannot use the area for commercial shellfish farming. The legislation also preserves the rights of tidal fish license holders to catch clams in areas outside the designated public clam fishery area, unless such fishing is otherwise prohibited by existing law. The bill is set to take effect on June 1, 2025, giving the DNR and the Tidal Fisheries Advisory Commission time to conduct the necessary research and establish the precise boundaries of the public clam fishery area.

Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0841?ys=2025RS