House Passes Brown Legislation to Bolster Oyster Research and Conservation Efforts

Statement

Congressman Anthony G. Brown (MD-04) applauded the passage of "The Chesapeake Bay Oyster Research Act," which was included as an amendment to "The Coastal and Great Lakes Communities Enhancement Act." The amendment, based on Congressman Brown's standalone legislation H.R. 5366, awards research grants to support the long-term conservation, restoration and management of oysters in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

The Chesapeake Bay is a vitally important ecosystem to Maryland, attracting millions of tourists and supporting thousands of jobs. Over the last several decades, the Bay has seen an alarming decline in its oyster population due to climate change, over-harvesting practices, habitat destruction and disease.

Grants will support research to better understand the causes of oyster population deterioration and inform potential restoration solutions. These research projects will be developed through collaborative partnerships between the academic community, seafood industry, non-profit organizations and watershed states. Congressman Brown's legislation approves $10 million over the next five years for this program.

"The Chesapeake Bay is critical to Maryland and decline of our oyster population threatens both vital ecosystems and our local economies," said Congressman Anthony Brown. "By bringing all of the Bay's stakeholders to the table, this bill will allow us to understand the challenges confronting oysters and strengthen the Chesapeake Bay."

Cosponsors of the original legislation include Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) and Congressman John Sarbanes (MD-03). Additionally, this bill is endorsed by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Chesapeake Oyster Alliance and Choose Clean Water Coalition.

"Oysters are the lifeblood of the Chesapeake Bay and essential to restoring the Bay ecosystem. As we step up efforts to implement the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint, we need to ensure that Bay oysters can survive and thrive in a changing climate," said Jason Rano, Federal Executive Director for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. "Congressman Brown's bill would provide vital funding for oyster research, conservation and management. This is great news for the Bay and for large-scale oyster restoration projects already underway in across the watershed. CBF is proud to support it."

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