Public Notice: Closure of Evans Oyster Bar (Somerset County)

Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Fishing and Boating Services
Closure of Evans Oyster Bar (Somerset County) to Oyster Harvest  – Effective Oct. 1, 2022

WHAT THIS NOTICE DOES

The Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces that Evans oyster bar (Somerset County) described below is closed to all oyster harvest.

AREA CLOSED

All the waters of Tangier Sound enclosed by a line beginning at a point defined by Lat. 38°12.347′ N, Long. 75°54.217′ W, then running 316° True to a point at or near Lat. 38°12.685′ N, Long. 75°54.627′ W, then running 80° True to a point at or near Lat. 38°12.781′ N, Long. 75°53.945′ W, then running 74° True to a point at or near Lat. 38°12.829′ N, Long. 75°53.731′ W, then running 106° True to a point at or near Lat. 38°12.708′ N, Long. 75°53.180′ W, then running 228° True to a point at or near Lat. 38°12.401′ N, Long. 75°53.608′ W, then running 264° True to the point of beginning.

PURPOSE OF THIS CLOSURE

This closure is necessary to protect spat-on-shell planted by the Somerset County Oyster Committee on this site, until the site is suitable for reopening. This closure was requested by the Somerset County Oyster Committee. This area was previously managed as a Harvest Reserve Area. The department repealed the Harvest Reserve Area regulations (COMAR 08.02.04.13 and .14), effective September 5, 2022.

WHO THIS NOTICE AFFECTS

This closure applies to all individuals who catch oysters recreationally or commercially.

EFFECTIVE DATE

The closure is effective at 12:01 a.m. October 1, 2022.

AUTHORITY

Code of Maryland Regulations 08.02.04.11G

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Fishing and Boating Services at 410-260-8302

Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio
Secretary of Natural Resources