Md. Oyster Growing Program Adding 7 Tributaries

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Maryland natural resources officials say seven tributaries are being added to a volunteer oyster growing program.

The Department of Natural Resources says each year the program accepts applications from community groups, and all seven applicants this year were accepted.

The applications came from the Bodkin, Oyster, Pope's and Crab Alley Creeks as well as the Little Choptank and Rhode rivers, and Swan Cove in Harris Creek.

Baby oysters, known as spat, will be delivered along with cages in September. Participants hang cages from private piers, rinse them about twice a month, and after nine months the oysters are planted in a sanctuary.

The program began in 2008 now has 1,500 growers in 24 tributaries, raising more than 2 million oysters last year.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)