A summary from the October 2003 Fishery Advisory Committee meeting included research updates on the blue crab parasite, Hematodinium perezi, commercial crabbing effort, recreational fishing, juvenile clam habitat, food habits of game and forage fish, a bathymetric survey (measuring depth) of Chincoteague Bay, and bay scallop population enhancement.

Researchers from the Cooperative Oxford Laboratory, maintained between the state and federal governments dedicated to improving the understanding of aquatic animal health, conducted research concerning Hematodinium last summer. The scientists studied the effects of intensity of infection on crab mortality, the intensity of infection on blue crab size, and the prevalence of Hematodinium. Crabs from the coastal bays were sampled and examined for the disease. Of the 76 crabs sampled, 11% were infected with Hematodinium. Crab pots were set in July in Chincoteague Bay to collect more infected crabs for experimental purposes. Research is still ongoing.

The Department of Natural Resources, contracting with the University of Maryland at College Park and Versar Inc, counted crab pots during the months of April, May, June and August to estimate monthly commercial crabbing effort during the 2003 commercial season. Data are being analyzed; and the number of pots will be estimated by early this year.

A socio-economic survey was conducted to determine the size of the coastal bays recreational fishery in terms of landings and fishing effort, to estimate the economic impact of the recreational fishery on Maryland’s economy, and to estimate the economic value of the recreational fishing industry in the area. To achieve the objectives, a random telephone survey of residents was completed to collect data on landings and fishing efforts, and a survey of anglers was performed to collect economic data. The surveys are still ongoing, and a final report will be available later this year.

The “Enhancement Bottom Habitat” is a project designed to provide suitable bottom habitat for juvenile hard clams, thereby reducing the threat of predation. Clam and oyster shells were planted on two plots in June on the eastern side of Chincoteague Bay. One plot of approximately two acres was planted with nearly 600 cubic yards of surf clam shells; and a second plot of approximately two and a half acres were planted with about 820 cubic yards of oyster shell. Success of these plots is being monitored by Department scientists.

Stomach samples have been collected from piscivorous (fish-eating) fish, including summer flounder, weakfish, bluefish, spot and croaker, but have not yet been analyzed. Researchers from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Versar Inc. are looking at the stomach contents to study species interaction in the coastal bays.

The Maryland Geological Survey completed a bathymetric survey of the Maryland portion of Chincoteague Bay. A final report is anticipated by the end of April.

Lastly, a project to enhance bay scallop reproduction potential began in mid-July. Approximately 110,000 seed scallops were planted in Green Run Bay, which runs into Chincoteague Bay, and an equal number was maintained at an aquaculture facility. Bay scallop growth in Green Run Bay has been tremendous, while aquaculture growth has been somewhat slower.