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Do poaching regulations require stronger enforcement?
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As the February 2011 season opened, Maryland's Natural Resources Police discovered miles of illegal "ghost nets" hidden beneath the surface and packed with more than 10 tons of rockfish. Waterman William Lednum, known around Tilghman Island as "Billy," is now Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate No. 57529-037 at Fort Dix, N.J. On insular Tilghman — a 2.7-square-mile island with fewer than 800 residents — many are outraged by Lednum's fall., Catherine Rentz, The Baltimore Sun
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John Yates, was fishing in the Gulf of Mexico when a federal agent spotted him and his men reeling in grouper that were less than 20 inches long. The agent boarded the boat, counted 72 fish that were under the legal limit, and told the captain to return to port. Prosecutors charged the captain with several crimes, including obstruction of justice under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Supreme Court recently narrowed the definition of obstruction of justice under the so-called Enron law, which freed Mr. Yates from charges that he secretly tossed overboard dozens of undersized red grouper to avoid prosecution., David Savage, LA Times
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Should we pursue more aggressive phosphorus management regulations?
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In an attempt to balance pollution regulations on the state's farming industry, Gov. Larry Hogan rolled out his "Maryland Agriculture Phosphorus Initiative," creating both looser and stricter regulations on Shore farmers. Under his proposal, most farmers would have until 2022 to come into full compliance with the regulations. Phil Davis, DelmarvaNow
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"The health of the Chesapeake Bay affects all of us who live in this unique part of the world. “All of us” includes the people who live here and depend on the Bay. WE are the watermen, the farmers, the boaters, the environmentalists, the young people, the Moms, the Dads. There is a way to measure phosphorus runoff and limit it to a reasonable level to benefit ALL OF US. It is reasonable to expect the representatives we elect to support the health of the treasure we ALL rely on." Larry Pifer, member of the Talbot County Democratic Forum.
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Should a moratorium be placed on blue crab harvests?
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"We have all watched critical Chesapeake resources dwindle to nothing, victims of declining habitat and ever more efficient methods of exploitation. At some point, these resources either go away or somebody puts up a hand and says: Stop! With blue crabs, that time is now — or never." Angus Phillips, former sports columnist for The Washington Post
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"While a moratorium may be tempting in its simplicity, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) and most scientists believe that limits on the harvesting of female crabs are biologically appropriate for such a resilient species (which is far different from the striped bass, for which the CBF was a moratorium advocate). This approach will also have the added benefit of maintaining jobs and avoiding the economic devastation to communities like Smith and Tangier islands." William C. Baker, president of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
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Commercial Availability of Maryland Seafood
This calendar is for information purposes only. This is based off of historical trends and could change at any time based on seasonal closures, weather, or other factors. Prepared by Steve Vilnit (svilnit@dnr.state.md.us)
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Seasonal Availability of Fresh Virginia Species
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Graphic below of recent Chesapeake Bay commercial seafood harvest data for Maryland and Virginia is derived from data tracked by NOAA's Office of Science and Technology National Marine Fisheries Service
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Cultivated Cropland in the Chesapeake Bay Region
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The 2007 Census of Agriculture reported 83,775 farms in the Chesapeake Bay region, about 4 percent of the total number of farms in the United States. Farms in the Chesapeake Bay region make up about 1 percent of all farmland in the nation. According to the 2007 Census of Agriculture, the value of Chesapeake Bay region agricultural sales in 2007 was about $9.5 billion—24 percent from crops and 76 percent from livestock. About 51 percent of Chesapeake Bay region farms primarily raise crops, about 42 percent are primarily livestock operations, and the remaining 7 percent produce a mix of livestock and crops. Most of the farms (74 percent) in 2007 were small operations with less than $50,000 in total farm sales. U.S. Department of Agriculture
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Agricultural land covers close to one-quarter of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. According to 2010 estimates from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are more than 87,000 farm operations and 8.5 million acres of cropland here. Farms in the Bay watershed produce more than 50 commodities, including corn, soybeans, wheat, fruits and vegetables. (Chesapeake Bay Program)
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On November 15, 1990, in response to mounting evidence that air pollution contributes to water pollution, Congress amended the Clean Air Act and included provisions that established research and reporting requirements related to the deposition of hazardous air pollutants to the "Great Waters." The waterbodies designated by these provisions includes the Chesapeake Bay, and certain other coastal waters. About 25 percent of all approved shellfish waters for oysters and clams in the United States are found in Chesapeake Bay. In recent years, increased attention has been paid to the role that toxics may play in the problems facing Chesapeake Bay. No evidence was found of severe, system-wide responses to toxics similar in magnitude to the effects observed throughout the Bay due to excessive nutrients.
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Baltimore Farmers' Market
& Bazaar is Maryland's largest producers-only market where shoppers can
revel at the sight of a vast quantity of foods, including crisp seasonal fruits
and vegetables, poultry, seafood, beef, pork, lamb, bison, goat, rabbit, fresh
baked goods, flavorful herbs and organically raised and produced milk, yogurt,
butter, eggs and cheese products. Additionally, dozens of food vendors add spice
to the market with multicultural cuisine.
The Market is open Sundays between April and December from 7am to sell
out (typically noon).
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The Fells Point Farmers
Market offers outdoor, waterfront shopping for local, farm fresh items in
Historic Fell's Point. The Market helps bring back the days from the 1700's
where the original Farmer's Market took place. The stall numbers, etched into
the curbs surrounding Broadway Square, can still be seen and help to bring this
fabulous energy back to where it started.
The market is held on Broadway Square on Broadway and Thames Street. The
market is open Saturdays 7:30am-12:30pm May through November.
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The Anne Arundel County
Farmers’ Market was first organized in 1981 by the County Office of Planning
and Zoning. The Market now has over 50 vendor members. It is open two days a
week in the summer, on Saturdays and Tuesdays. A large variety of items are now
being offered and it has one of the longest market seasons in the state,
opening in April and continuing until the Saturday before Christmas.
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The Kent Island Farmers’ Market
is the Eastern Shore’s only year round producer-only farmers’ market. Their member’s products feature raw milk artisan cheeses, yogurt made with local
maple and honey, sustainable wild caught fish (ahi tuna, salmon, halibut, and
mahi), local wheat artisan breads, free range eggs & chicken, organic &
IPM produced fruits & vegetables and naturally raised pork & grass-fed beef, milk, gourmet flavored
hummus, various nuts and nut butters, olives and olive oils, 12 - year aged
balsamic vinegar, scratch made soups and gluten free baked goods.
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The Chestertown Farmers’
& Artisans’ Market is open Saturday mornings from 8 am to noon beginning
about the third Saturday in March and ending about the last Saturday in
December. The Market is located in
beautiful Fountain Park in the heart of downtown Chestertown, on Maryland's
Eastern shore. They offer fresh
home grown produce, herbs, breads, soaps, plants and cut flowers as well as the
hand-crafted works of local artisans.
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The North Beach Friday
Night Farmers’ Market & Classic Car Cruise-In offers seasonal delights from
local farms including, fresh, flavorful fruits and vegetables, fresh herbs,
cheese, meat, seafood, fresh-baked goods, cut flowers, and bedding plants. You
can sample the wines from Calvert County wineries and purchase by
the glass or bottle. Classic car enthusiasts can enjoy viewing some of the
coolest vehicles in the area at the Classic Car Cruise-In. The Market is open every
Friday, 6 to 9 pm, May through the first Friday in October.
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The Cambridge Main Street
Farmers Market is open May through mid-October at Long Wharf Park in Cambridge,
MD, on Thursday afternoons, 3-6pm. It's one of the only waterfront farmers' markets in the
state. The Market offers shoppers
the opportunity to support local farmers and the Eastern Shore’s rich
agricultural heritage.
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The Mathews Farmers Market is located on the historic courthouse green in Mathews County, Virginia. Stroll among the historic village buildings as you shop from local vendors who specialize in fresh organic produce. Each month your senses will come alive from the seasonal array of wholesome fruits and vegetables, native plants, baked goods and handcrafted gifts presented at the Farmer's Market. Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. April through October.
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The Town of Tappahannock and
Essex County sponsor a series of monthly Farmers’ Markets located in historic
downtown Tappahannock. The markets are held from 9-1 pm on the third Saturday
of each month starting April and running through November. The Markets feature:
vegetables and fruits; meats and seafood; garden plants and accessories; bread
and baked goods; home made crafts and fine arts; and an assortment of restaurant
and food vendors, as well as music by local performers.
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The Warsaw Farmers Market is
an economic and community event, attracting consumers around the Northern Neck
and Middle Peninsula. It serves as a benefit for tourists, travelers and
residents alike to stop, shop, and benefit from the great resources the area
has to offer. The Warsaw Farmers' Market runs May through September, 2012. It takes place on the second Saturday
of each month from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
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The Onancock Market provides
a venue for local farmers, watermen and artisans to offer their fresh,
seasonal, and locally grown and manufactured products and qualified art
directly to residents and visitors in the community. The Market is open every
Saturday, May through October. Hours
are 8:00 am - 12:00 pm (May through September) and 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (All
other market days).
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Now in their 13th season, the
Smithfield Farmers Market is proud to be a Virginia Grown market offering
locally grown produce, beef, pork, chicken, eggs, peanuts, plants, herbs, baked
goods, coffee, cheese, honey, barbecue, wood-fired pizza, ham sandwiches,
handcrafted items and more. The
Market is open April through October every Saturday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
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The Virginia Beach Farmers
Market is open year-round and features a variety of agriculturally inspired
shops and related businesses that offer seasonal, fresh vegetables and fruit in
addition to many other products. An organic grocery, butcher shop, seafood
market, dairy and ice cream, florist, candy store, bakery, full-menu
restaurant, wild bird store, and home and garden gift stores offer a unique and
varied shopping experience. Farmer-to-you seasonal produce allows you to
experience some of the best the agriculture community has to offer.
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The Williamsburg Farmers
Market is located in Merchants Square in the heart of historic Williamsburg,
Virginia. Flowerbeds and benches offer a tranquil setting for this open-air,
Virginia producer-only market. Over 35 vendors offer a variety of local
products, among which are fresh seasonal produce, chicken, beef, bison, pork,
oysters, fish, crabs, prawns, herbs, potted plants, baked goods, confections,
honey, cheese, cut flowers, handmade soaps, and more. The Market offers
seasonal hours and is open Saturday mornings April through October.
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The Portsmouth Olde Towne
Farmers Market offers Seasonal fresh produce; artisan breads, pies, cakes,
scones, savory biscuits, brownies, cookies and other baked goods; beef,
poultry, eggs, and seafood; jams and jellies, salsas and sauces; plants and
flowers; hand-crafted soaps and more. Several farmers specialize in heirloom
produce and free-range poultry and eggs, and most products are locally
grown/raised without the use of chemicals or hormones. Portsmouth’s Master
Gardeners sell potted herbs and are available for free consultation about
gardening in the region and special programs and workshops.
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The Yorktown Market Days
features seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh seafood, eggs, poultry, beef and
pork; fresh breads, cheeses, baked goods, peanuts, cut flowers, organic and
gluten free products, potted plants, coffee, jams & jellies; dipping oils
and meat rubs; quality art, chefs demonstrations and live musical
entertainment. The 2014 vendor list included over 30 farmers, watermen, bakers
and producers. The Market is located at Riverwalk Landing on the Yorktown
waterfront. Hours are from 9:00 to
12:00on Saturdays from May through December.
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Harvest the Chesapeake Resources
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The Chesapeake Bay Seafood
Industries Association is a non-profit association formed 50 years ago to
represent the seafood processing industry in Maryland. They work to further the best interests
of Maryland’s seafood industry together with other seafood companies in East
Coast and Gulf Coast states. The CBSIA supports all efforts to preserve the resource
and livelihood of those who depend upon seafood for their livelihood.
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The Maryland Department of
Natural Resources Fisheries marketing program is host to the official
Maryland Seafood website, which not only showcases the Chesapeake Bay’s
delicious bounty, but the rich legacy that has evolved from its harvest and
enjoyment. The website features a
seasonal seafood calendar, recipes to stir the imagination, health and fish
consumption advice, and the more than 70 species found in Maryland. There is
information on making sustainable choices that will help the State’s fishery,
along with news and events supporting local seafood. The Maryland Seafood
website also highlights the watermen who catch and deliver these products, and
provides a historical look at classic seafood towns throughout the region.
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The Maryland Watermen's
Association is dedicated to the interests of all who derive beauty & benefit
from Maryland's Chesapeake Bay Waters. The Maryland Watermen’s Association
website features articles and information from the Waterman’s Gazette, as well
as links to other sites of interest, such as the state legislature, the U.S.
Coast Guard and the Department of Natural Resources.
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Maryland Sea Grant College,
a university-based partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, is a service organization administered by the University of
Maryland Center for Environmental Science. They fund research, education, and
outreach throughout the state of Maryland. Their offices are located in College
Park, Maryland. Through its Extension program, Sea Grant supports: coastal
planning and land use; economic analyses of the potential impacts of
environmental policies; fisheries; the seafood industry; and water issues.
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The Maryland Agricultural
Resource Council is organized for the benefit of the citizens of Maryland to
enhance the rural economy and to foster conservation of agricultural and
natural resources through educational and technical services. They support
current and prospective farmers and agribusinesses through seminars,
activities, continuing education programs, curriculum-based partnerships with
schools, colleges, and universities as well as mentoring opportunities with
successful farmers.
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The Maryland Department of
Agriculture’s mission is to provide leadership and support to agriculture and
the citizens of Maryland by conducting regulatory, service, and educational
activities that assure consumer confidence, protect the environment, and
promote agriculture. Many activities of the MDA are regulatory in nature,
others are assigned to a category of public service and some are educational or
promotional in scope.
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University of Maryland
Extension celebrated a century of service in 2014. In addition to traditional
programs in Agriculture, 4-H and Youth, Family & Consumer Science and
Master Gardening, it provides education and publications in Aquaculture. Program areas have included striped
bass and hybrids culture, Recirculating Aquaculture Systems, soft crab
production and shellfish. Our program teaching modern techniques of oyster
aquaculture has helped to develop the almost 4,000 acres now in production in
Maryland. Workshops, short courses and field days provide quality outreach
education to those wanting to grow and market shellfish. Extension programs
cover both production and business management skills to ensure successful
business development.
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The Maryland Farm Bureau has over 37,211 member families that belong to
the state’s 23 county Farm Bureaus. The Bureau’s purpose is to increase net
farm income and improve the quality of life by providing a legislative voice,
increasing public understanding and promoting member involvement. They strive
to promote and protect Maryland agriculture and rural life.
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The Virginia Cooperative
Extension brings the resources of Virginia's land-grant universities, Virginia
Tech and Virginia State University, to the people of the commonwealth. The Extension
is committed to providing access to unbiased, scientific information related to
locally defined issues; a presence in local communities; the establishment of
strong partnerships and collaborative coalitions; and innovative service to the
commonwealth.
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The Virginia Department of
Agriculture and Consumer Services was established in 1877 and is responsible
for over 60 laws and more than 70 regulations relating to consumer protection
and the promotion of agriculture. In carrying out its responsibility for
representing the concerns and interests of agriculture, VDACS works in
cooperation with Virginia State University, Virginia Tech, and the Virginia
Cooperative Extension Service on research, education, and marketing projects.
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With 128,000 members in 88
county Farm Bureaus, the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation is Virginia’s largest
farmers’ advocacy group. The organization works to support its producer members
through legislative lobbying, leadership development programs, commodity
associations, rural health programs, insurance products, agricultural supplies
and marketing, and other services.
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The Virginia Seafood website
is supported by the Virginia Marine Products Board. The website provides information on the Virginia
seafood industry, news, events and recipes. A directory of seafood suppliers is
also maintained on the site. The
Board offers a wide range of helpful recipe brochures, species fact sheets, and
informational videos to help market Virginia seafood.
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The Virginia Seafood
Council, founded in 1955, is a trade association, non-profit, which serves all
facets of the seafood industry. Its purpose is to assist in the development of
the seafood industry and to be a communicator for the seafood industry in
Virginia. The Council monitors
legislative actions of the Virginia General Assembly that relate to the
commercial seafood industry. The Council retains a lobbyist in Richmond to
represent it at the legislature. Likewise, on the Congressional level, the
Council maintains open lines of communication with the Virginia delegation on
all issues related to the Bay and fishing industry.
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Virginia Sea Grant (VASG)
advances the resilience and sustainability of Virginia’s coastal and marine
ecosystems and the communities that depend upon them. As a broker of scientific
information, VASG works with resource managers, businesses, communities, and
other stakeholders to provide and apply the best science available. VASG funds and conducts research,
outreach, and communications activities that focus on: safe & sustainable seafood;
healthy coastal & marine ecosystems; sustainable & resilient coastal communities;
and coastal & ocean literacy.
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