ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WBFF) — Maryland officials are celebrating what they call one of the strongest years for oyster reproduction in decades, with new data showing a dramatic spike in juvenile oysters across Maryland waters.

Gov. Wes Moore announced Monday that the concentration of new oysters in 2025 was nearly six times higher than the long-term average and ranks as the second-highest level recorded in the 41-year modern history of the state’s annual fall oyster survey.

“Oysters are the bedrock of the ecosystem in the Chesapeake Bay and provide economic opportunities for communities throughout the state,” said Gov. Moore, via press release. “Maryland is now seeing the best news for our oysters in decades; our robust and growing oyster population will help make sure we pass our Bay along to future generations as an heirloom—both as an economic driver for our seafood industry and for the environmental health of our waterways.”

Reproduction Near 30-Year High

According to preliminary findings from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), scientists recorded an average of 250 spat — juvenile oysters — per bushel at key monitoring sites. That figure is more than three times higher than the strong reproduction seen in 2023 and far above the long-term average of 42.2 spat per bushel. It marks the highest reproductive success since 1997.

The survey also found the second-highest overall distribution of spat since recordkeeping began in 1985, trailing only 1991. Some areas saw especially dense concentrations, including 3,600 spat per bushel on two oyster bars in Broad Creek and more than 2,100 spat per bushel in the St. Marys River restoration sanctuary.

At the same time, oyster mortality rates were the third lowest recorded since 1985. Scientists reported that the presence and intensity of Dermo — a disease that has historically devastated oyster populations — were among the lowest levels observed in 36 years. Rates of MSX, another serious oyster disease, were also very low.

“This has been an exceptional year for the oysters of the Chesapeake Bay,” said Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz, via press release. “In the past year, we learned that the state’s oyster populations have tripled in two decades and we also wrapped up major projects at our oyster restoration sanctuaries. Now we’re finding that oysters are reproducing at levels we haven’t seen in nearly 30 years. For an important species that’s struggled for many decades, these are great signs of recovery.”

Biomass and Habitat Reach Milestones

Biologists also estimate that oyster biomass — the total weight of oysters in Maryland waters — is at its highest level since the state began calculating it 33 years ago. Current biomass is more than five times higher than the low point in 2002, when disease outbreaks sharply reduced oyster populations.

Available habitat for oysters also reached a record high, tied with the best three-year average in the 21 years DNR has tracked that measure.

In 2023, researchers from DNR and the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science estimated that Maryland’s oyster population had grown to more than 7.6 billion adult oysters — more than triple the 2005 total. Earlier this year, Moore announced the completion of initial restoration work in five targeted rivers, part of a broader effort to rebuild oyster reefs by 2025.

“The continued strong reproduction and low mortality rates are great news for Maryland’s oyster population,” said Fernando Miralles-Wilhelm, president of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, via press release. “This continues the trend seen over the last 20 years and should fuel future increases in the number of oysters.”

Economic Boost Amid Market Challenges

Oysters are a major driver of Maryland’s seafood economy, ranking second only to crabs in dockside value. Over the past five years, watermen have harvested an average of 475,000 bushels annually, generating more than $18 million.

The encouraging biological data comes during a challenging period for the oyster market.

Officials said the 2025–2026 season began with declines tied to market conditions and weather disruptions. Frozen waterways this winter also limited harvesting opportunities.

In response, DNR extended the commercial harvest season by two weeks to help watermen recoup losses.

In February, Moore requested a federal disaster declaration for the oyster fishery to support the industry’s long-term sustainability.

“These results show what’s possible when Maryland sustains its commitment to oyster restoration and responsible fishery management,” said Oyster Recovery Partnership Executive Director Ward Slacum, via press release. “Following the milestone of completing restoration in five Chesapeake tributaries, it’s encouraging to see such strong reproduction across the Bay. ORP is proud to work alongside the state and our partners, and we remain committed to building on this momentum to strengthen oyster reefs, support the seafood industry, and restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay.”