Maryland Delegation Members Urge Trump Administration to Declare Oyster Fishery Disaster, Deliver Assistance

On February 27, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney joined all Maryland Congressional Delegation Members in sending a letter to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, urging him to declare a fishery disaster and approve fishery resource disaster asssitance for the Maryland oyster fishery.

“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.”

Text of the letter can be viewed here.

In a separate statement, McClain Delaney said, "Maryland oyster fisheries are in crisis. Harvests are down 44%, prices have fallen down 66%, and severe weather has pushed waterman to the brink. I joined the Maryland Delegation to urge disaster relief. Without action, we risk losing generations of Chesapeake Bay jobs, small businesses, and local food supply."

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For updates, follow Rep. McClain Delaney at @RepAprilDelaney.

Congresswoman April McClain Delaney was elected in 2024 to serve Maryland’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties. In Congress, McClain Delaney is focused on improving US competitiveness and innovation, protecting our natural environment and championing policies that represent the values and priorities of Maryland’s 6th District.