In October 2024, the St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission (MetCom) the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and the Potomac River Fisheries Commission (PRFC) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to implement an Oyster Supplemental Environmental Project. The MOU reflects the mutual commitment to collaboratively promote and enhance the health of local ecosystems, including the Middle Potomac River.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) surveyed oyster bars in the Middle Potomac River during the 2021 Fall Oyster Survey and determined there was little to no oyster biomass on Heron Island’s oyster bars making this area a priority for oyster restoration. Heron Island’s oyster bars are designated as an oyster sanctuary by the PRFC. A contract was awarded to R. L. Green Seafood Inc., who completed the oyster restoration project on June 24, 2025. A total of 9,635 bushels of James River wild diploid oyster seed was planted on a 15-acre site on the Heron Island oyster bar. Seed counts ranged from 700-850 seed per bushel. The PRFC views the planting to be a success so far and will continue to monitor the planting site annually throughout the next three years via the DNR’s annual Fall Oyster Dredge Survey. Overall success of this project will be determined by the survival rate of the oysters planted which will be impacted by water quality conditions in the area as the seed oysters grow into maturity.
The primary goal is to help enhance the ecological health of the local waterways by increasing the population of oysters, which play a critical role in improving water quality and water clarity by filtering algae, sediment, and other pollutants and by providing food and habitat for various species. “We are excited about the completion of this project which is in line with our mission to be environmental stewards in the operation and maintenance of the public wastewater conveyance and treatment systems” stated MetCom Executive Director George Erichsen.
In accordance with Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s July 20, 2023 Executive Order 01.01.2023.12,“ . . . Increasing the abundance of the Eastern Oyster, a critical species for Maryland's economy and water quality, is a priority as oysters play a valuable role in creating reefs that clean water and provide habitat for critical species, including crabs and striped bass.”
