Commissioners Support Wye River Oyster Restoration Efforts

This weekend County Commission President Jim Moran and County Commissioner Phil Dumenil presented the Wye River Oyster Program with a check and witnessed the program in action. At their last meeting, the Commissioners approved a $50,000 contribution to support the continued work of the program.

The funding will help advance oyster restoration efforts in the Wye River through an expanded oyster reseeding project. The contribution will support the planting of an additional 15 to 20 million spat-on-shell oysters across approximately three acres, helping to improve water quality, enhance aquatic habitat, and strengthen the overall health of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.

The request was presented by Bruce Abel on behalf of the Wye River Oyster Program. The organization’s grassroots effort among neighbors has successfully raised significant support and sought matching funds to continue its restoration work. The County contributed $28,000 to the program in December 2025.

A single adult oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day, removing excess nutrients and improving water clarity. Queen Anne’s County remains committed to supporting projects that preserve the County’s natural resources and contribute to the long-term health of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.