Joint Application for Commercial Shellfish Aquaculture Lease and Corps of Engineers Federal Permit Details

Though shellfish aquaculture and the granting of shellfish leases in Maryland dates back to the nineteenth century, renewed focus on the industry after a lull in the program led the Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to begin jointly accepting applications for new commercial shellfish aquaculture projects in the Chesapeake Bay, its tributaries and the Coastal Bays.

Following the passage of new legislation during the 2011 Legislative Session and related regulations, the joint application was revised to allow for leasing in oyster sanctuaries as well as the use of cages and float structures on water column leases.

Click here to view application instructions