Maryland reopens Kent Narrows for shellfish harvesting

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) recently reopened clam and oyster harvesting from Kent Narrows in Queen Anne’s County after water quality tests found the area now meets the requirements for shellfish harvesting.

The waters were reopened to harvesting Feb. 20, and will remain so until the end of the 2017 oyster season, expected to be March 31, the department said in a recent news release.

Kent Narrows was closed to shellfish harvesting two years ago due to the high volume of boats, marinas and onshore activities in the area with the potential to negatively affect shellfish water quality, the department said in the release.

The closure was re-evaluated after local residents contacted the MDE and the state's Department of Natural Resources to request Kent Narrows be opened for the 2017 season, the release said.

MDE monitors bacteriological water quality and conducts pollution source surveys to determine which areas are safe for the harvesting of shellfish and closes areas failing to meet the water quality standards for shellfish harvesting. Areas are reopened for harvesting when water quality improves, the release said.