The Department of Natural Resources asked for feedback, and they got it. Nearly 1,000 people have submitted comments about the proposed Oyster Restoration and Aquaculture Development plan, and about half of those people did so at DNR open houses last month, according to a press release.

Fisheries Service Director Tom O'Connell said "the overwhelming majority of the comments (were) supportive," but all comments will be reviewed.

Here is a DNR presentation about the plan.

There is still time to submit comments -- the department extended the schedule and now plans to submit a proposal in March. The department will host more public hearings in April and May before adopting a final plan, according to the release.

Comments can be submitted by e-mail or snail mail to these addresses:
fisheriespubliccomment@dnr.state.md.us

Fisheries Service
Attn: Oyster Open House
Tawes State Office Building
580 Taylor Ave
Annapolis, MD 21401

By Capital News Service's Jennifer Hlad