February 25, 2026 — Eastern Shore and Southern Maryland Senators Steve Hershey, Johnny Mautz, Mary Beth Carozza, and Jack Bailey are continuing to push state and federal officials to protect Maryland’s commercial watermen after a devastating winter season.
The Republican Senators have been advocating for immediate relief after weeks of ice and dangerously cold conditions lead to the shut down of large portions of the Bay during prime oyster season.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced a two-week extension of the commercial oyster season, moving the closing date from March 31 to April 14, after receiving many concerns. This extension applies to all commercial gear types while maintaining existing bushel limits and conservation protections.