BREAKING: Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has just announced a critical two-week extension of the commercial oyster season, now running through April 14, 2026. This urgent decision responds to significant challenges faced by watermen due to extreme weather conditions, including ice-covered waterways that have severely limited harvesting opportunities.
The extension, confirmed on February 23, 2026, allows watermen to regain valuable time for harvesting oysters after many were unable to fish due to freezing temperatures in January and February. “Maryland’s watermen have faced a difficult oyster season,” stated DNR Secretary Josh Kurtz. He emphasized that this extension is crucial for boosting the livelihoods of watermen and supporting local communities reliant on the oyster industry.
This year, the commercial oyster season was initially set to conclude on March 31, but the ongoing impacts of ice and market conditions have prompted DNR to take swift action. Under the new rules, all existing gear restrictions and bushel limits will remain in effect. Notably, handscraping for oysters in hand tong areas is still prohibited during this extension.
The DNR’s decision comes amid a multi-year increase in oyster populations, now at their highest levels in over two decades. The latest Maryland oyster stock assessment reveals a staggering increase to 7.6 billion oysters in state waters, more than tripling since a low of 2.4 billion in 2005. The fall oyster spat survey indicated solid reproduction rates, showing a remarkable recovery for the oyster population.
Despite these positive trends, the market for oysters remains under pressure. Watermen have reported that buyers are purchasing oysters less frequently, sometimes only once per week, despite ample supply. This extension aims to alleviate some of the financial strain on Maryland’s watermen, who rely heavily on the oyster harvest for their income.
DNR officials have been proactive in addressing the icy conditions that affected water access, utilizing state vessels for ice-breaking operations to keep navigation channels open. However, despite these efforts, many commercial fishing boats remained docked due to the severe weather.
As the extended season approaches, Marylanders are encouraged to support local watermen by purchasing oysters from seafood markets and restaurants, helping to sustain the livelihoods of those in the fishing community.
This extension will not impact the recreational oyster season, which will still conclude on March 31, 2026. The DNR, along with the Maryland Department of Health and the Department of the Environment, maintains strict oversight of oyster-growing waters to ensure all shellfish meet health and safety standards under the National Shellfish Sanitation Program.
Stay tuned for further updates as Maryland’s watermen prepare to maximize this extended season, providing a crucial opportunity to enhance their harvests and support local economies.
