Why are Maryland watermen unable to work?

Thick ice on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries has prevented watermen from accessing fishing grounds for weeks, halting oyster harvesting.

What actions have been taken to help the watermen?

Congressman Andy Harris has requested an economic fishery disaster declaration from NOAA to provide potential emergency relief for the affected watermen.

What do watermen hope will help them recover lost income?

Watermen are seeking an extension of the oyster season into April to compensate for the income lost due to being unable to work because of the ice.

Home / Business and Economy / Decades-High Ice Locks Maryland Watermen on Land

Decades-High Ice Locks Maryland Watermen on Land

10 Feb

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Summary

Thick ice has kept watermen from working for weeks during peak oyster season.
A congressman requested federal economic fishery disaster declaration.
Watermen hope for an extension of the oyster season into April.

Decades-High Ice Locks Maryland Watermen on Land

For weeks, thick ice on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries has prevented Maryland watermen from working, impacting their income during the crucial oyster season. John Clopine, a lifelong waterman, described the current conditions as the worst in decades, noting that the ice is too severe to navigate safely. This has left many, including Tyrone Meredith, unable to harvest oysters and missing out on vital earnings.

Responding to the crisis, Congressman Andy Harris has petitioned the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for an economic fishery disaster declaration. This designation could provide emergency financial relief for the watermen, who have faced limited fishing days throughout the season due to severe weather and market challenges. Watermen are advocating for an extension of the oyster season, currently set to end in March, hoping that additional weeks in April could help them recoup lost income and meet their financial obligations.