Md. DNR Seeks Volunteer Oyster Growers

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Maryland's Department of Natural Resources is looking for volunteers interested in raising oysters.

The department says it will provide all of the materials and the oysters require little care, mostly the rinsing of their cages every two weeks.

Last year, volunteers raised more than 2 million young oysters that were later planted in sanctuaries. This year, DNR says it is looking for local coordinators willing to grow oysters in additional rivers, creeks and bay areas.

The program began in 2008 with about 900 oyster cages cared for by 170 growers along the Tred Avon River. The program now involves about 8,000 cages in 24 bay tributaries. The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science produces the young oysters, also known as spat.

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