ANNAPOLIS, Md. â Some of Marylandâs best farm land wonât grow a single bud or sprout. Some of it is muddy, sandy land under the Chesapeake Bay because that is where the oyster grows.
Oysters are traditionally tonged or dredged during the winter months and grow wild in the Chesapeake Bay and nearby rivers. They are usually harvested in colder months â months ending in the letter ârâ â because the oysters spawn in warm weather and can taste milky. Cold weather also helps keep them fresh and prevents spoiling.
Aquaculture is on the rise in Maryland and much of that consists of growing oysters. Oysters are placed in mesh cages and then put in the water to grow until they reach market size. The Maryland Farm Bureau Winter Webinar Series focused on aquaculture on Tuesday, Jan. 5.
In 1870 several external factors were coming together in the upper Chesapeake Bay. Market hunters challenged the validity of a state ordnance that restricted the method and location of waterfowl