Nonnative Oysters in the Chesapeake Bay

Nonnative Oysters in the Chesapeake Bay discusses the proposed plan to offset the dramatic decline in the bay's native oysters by introducing disease-resistant reproductive Suminoe oysters from Asia. It suggests this move should be delayed until more is known about the environmental risks, even though carefully regulated cultivation of sterile Asian oysters in contained areas could help the local industry and researchers. It is also noted that even though these oysters eat the excess algae caused by pollution, it could take decades before there are enough of them to improve water quality. Table of ContentsFront Matter1. Executive Summary2. Introduction and Overview3. Background on Introduced Species4. Oyster Biology5. Social and Economic Value of Oysters in the Chesapeake Bay6. History and Current Status of Restoring Native Oyster Reefs in the Chesapeake Bay7. Oyster Aquaculture8. Regulatory Framework for Managing Proposed Introductions9. Elements of Risk Assessment for the Introduction of Crassostrea Ariakensis in the Chesapeake Bay10. Decisionmaking and Recommendations for Future ResearchReferencesAppendix A: Committee and Staff BiographiesAppendix B: Letter Report to the Virginia Marine Resources CommissionAppendix C: AcronymsAppendix D: State Law DocumentsAppendix E: Federal Law DocumentsAppendix F: International Law DocumentsAppendix G: Chesapeake Bay Program Ad-Hoc Panel Letter and ReportsAppendix H: Meeting AgendaAppendix I: Letters Requesting A Study On Non-native Oysters in the Chesapeake BayAppendix J: GlossaryAppendix K: Scientific and Common Names