The Maryland Congressional Delegation has urged the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, to consider declaring a fishery disaster for the state’s oyster industry and to provide federal assistance. The request comes after adverse weather and market conditions have led to a significant drop in both oyster harvests and prices, impacting local watermen.
In a letter addressed to Secretary Lutnick, Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, along with Representatives Andy Harris, Steny Hoyer, Kweisi Mfume, Sarah Elfreth, Johnny Olsewski, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, and April McClain Delaney supported Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s call for an evaluation under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
“We write to you as the Maryland Congressional Delegation to urge your favorable consideration of the request from Maryland Governor Wes Moore to conduct an evaluation of the Maryland oyster fishery for eligibility for fishery resource disaster assistance as authorized by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, as amended by the Fishery Resource Disasters Improvement Act,” Team Maryland began. “Given recent challenges facing the industry – including icy conditions due to the unseasonably cold winter season, recent fishery closures resulting from the Potomac River sewage spill, and overall challenging market conditions – we urge you to declare a fishery disaster and approve fishery resource disaster assistance for the Maryland oyster fishery as soon as possible.”
The lawmakers pointed out that January 2026 data show a 44% decline in commercial oyster harvest compared with a five-year average. Additionally, they noted that dockside prices for oysters have dropped by 66%. They stated: “as compared with a five-year average of commercial landings, data from January of 2026 shows a concerning 44% decline in oyster harvest with continued depressed levels of harvest expected this year, while the dockside value of a bushel of oysters has dropped by 66%.”
Highlighting its broader impact on state culture and economy, they added: “the Maryland oyster fishery is of economic importance to the state, with millions of dollars of commercial landings every year that bolster the Maryland food service and tourism economies, while providing critical income for Maryland watermen. Maryland oysters are also a cornerstone of the rich Chesapeake Bay heritage and are a source of pride for the state, underscoring the importance of the continued operation of the commercial oyster fishery.”
Among those supporting this initiative is Representative Andy Harris. Harris has represented Maryland’s 1st district in Congress since 2011, after replacing Frank Kratovil. He previously served in both chambers of Maryland’s legislature between 1999 and 2011.
Harris was born in New York City in 1957 and currently resides in Cambridge at age 66. He earned his BS degree from Johns Hopkins University in 1977.
The full text of their letter is available online.
