Maryland

Maryland sees near-record oyster reproduction in 2025, officials say

Published

3 weeks ago

March 9, 2026

Maryland sees near-record oyster reproduction in 2025, officials say

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.”

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Maryland

Vote: Who is the Maryland Softball Player of the Week – March 30, 2026

Published

8 hours ago

March 30, 2026

Press Room

It’s officially spring, and high school softball season has already begun in Maryland. Once again, it’s time to answer the question: Who was the Maryland Softball Player of the Week?

We looked at multiple counties and nominated athletes for games played from March 23-29.

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Congratulations to last week’s winner: Macie Anderson of Kent Island.

We ask you to check out this week’s nominees and cast your vote below.

Voting ends Sunday, April 5, at 11:59 p.m. PT. The winner will be announced next week. Here are the nominees.

Abigail Clemens, Bethesda-Chevy Chase

Clemens, a sophomore, went 4-for-5 at the plate with three RBIs and a double in Bethesda-Chevy Chase’s 19-4 blowout victory over Rockville.

Allie Hage, Bethesda-Chevy Chase

Hage went a perfect 4-for-4 with four RBIs, two doubles, and two runs in the Barons’ 15-1 win over Watkins Mill.

Addie Harling, Quince Orchard

Harling, a freshman, was dominant in the circle with 14 strikeouts through five scoreless innings in Quince Orchard’s 15-0 victory over Watkins Mill.

Paulina Mann, Einstein

Mann went a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate with four RBIs, two doubles, a triple, and a run in Einstein’s 19-0 shutout win over Whitman. She also tossed eight strikeouts in the circle.

Ava Libercci, Mount Carmel

Libercci finished with a whopping nine RBIs, three home runs, and three runs on 3-for-3 batting in Mount Carmel’s 22-14 slugfest victory over Chapelgate Christian Academy.

Erin Martin, Mount Carmel

In the same game, Martin put up seven RBIs, a double, a triple, and three runs for the Cougars.

Nala Johnson, Northwest

Johnson was impressive in the circle with 13 strikeouts in five innings to lead Northwest’s 17-1 victory over Wootton. She also went 2-for-3 at the plate with two RBIs and a double.

Ali Porter, Northwest

Porter, another previous nominee, went 4-for-6 with four RBIs, a double, and three runs in the Jaguars’ 25-0 shutout win over Churchill.

Imani Lewis, City College

Lewis, a junior, went a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate with six RBIs, two home runs, a triple, and four runs in City College’s 22-10 win over Forest Park.

Abby Marmen, Fallston

Marmen, a senior and Drexel commit, finished with six RBIs, a double, a triple, and a home run on 4-for-4 batting in Fallston’s dominant 27-0 shutout victory over Joppatowne.

Sara Frist, Fallston

In the same game, the senior Frist also registered six RBIs, along with two doubles and four runs scored on 3-for-5 batting for the Cougars.

Annie Baker, Mountain Ridge

Baker went 3-for-4 with six RBIs, two doubles, and three runs in Mountain Ridge’s 19-1 blowout victory over Berkeley Springs (WV).

Emerson Koenig, Richard Montgomery

Koenig finished with five RBIs, a double, and a run on 3-for-4 batting in Richard Montgomery’s 20-1 blowout win over Blake.

Rebekah Caballero, McDonough

Caballero had a dominant two-way performance in McDonough’s 17-6 victory over Great Mills. In the circle, she tossed 10 strikeouts through six innings, while at the plate, she went 3-for-5 with seven RBIs, a double, and three runs.

Rylan Crisafulli, Broadneck

Crisafulli, a junior, tossed 12 strikeouts in four innings with no hits allowed in Broadneck’s 8-0 win over Annapolis.

Kimani Dennis, Dulaney

Dennis finished with four RBIs, a home run, a triple, and three RBIs in Dulaney’s 16-0 shutout victory over Lansdowne.

About Our Athlete of the Week Voting
High School on SI voting polls are meant to be a fun, lighthearted way for fans to show support for their favorite athletes and teams. Our goal is to celebrate all of the players featured, regardless of the vote totals.Sometimes one athlete will receive a very large number of votes — even thousands — and that’s okay! The polls are open to everyone and are simply a way to build excitement and community around high school sports.Unless we specifically announce otherwise, there are no prizes or official awards for winning. The real purpose is to highlight the great performances of every athlete included in the poll.

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Maryland

USC baseball takes two of three from Maryland to win another series

Published

20 hours ago

March 30, 2026

Press Room

USC baseball takes two of three from Maryland to win another series

After suffering just their second loss of the season against Oregon State on Tuesday, the USC baseball team looked to get back on track over the weekend when they traveled across the country for a three-game series at Maryland. It was not the prettiest, but the Trojans were able to take the series, winning two of their three games against the Terrapins.

On Friday, USC jumped out to an early lead and survived late. After leading 10-2 through three innings, the Trojans survived a late Maryland rally and emerged with an 11-10 victory.

On Saturday, the team suffered just its third loss of the season, falling 6-4. On Sunday, however, the Trojans came out hungry for payback and delivered just that, winning 14-4 in an eight-inning mercy rule affair.

USC has now won all seven of its series to open the season, including all four in Big Ten play. The Trojans now sit at 26-3 on the year and 10-2 in conference.

USC will now return to the West Coast for a matchup with UC Santa Barbara at Dedeaux Field on Tuesday night. They will then head to Westwood next weekend for a three-game series against rival UCLA. With both teams currently ranked in the top ten, it sets up to be the biggest baseball Crosstown Showdown in many years.

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Maryland

New charge filed in case of accidental Anne Arundel Co. school shooting – WTOP News

Published

1 day ago

March 29, 2026

Press Room

New charge filed in case of accidental Anne Arundel Co. school shooting – WTOP News

A reckless endangerment charged has been added in the case of a man charged after a 7-year-old boy fired a gun inside a Maryland elementary school in early February.

A new charge was added to the accidental gun discharge case from February that’s tied to an Anne Arundel County school.

Court records show that one count of reckless endangerment was filed against Eashan John Stefanski, a 34-year-old Pasadena man, Thursday.

He was initially charged with leaving a loaded firearm accessible to a minor in February, when a 7-year-old boy accidentally discharged a gun at Freetown Elementary School in Glen Burnie, Maryland.

The new charge was added more than a month after the incident, which saw the child suffer an injury to his hand.

Detectives found the gun was obtained from the boy’s home.

Stefanski is the boyfriend of the child’s mother, The Baltimore Banner reported.

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