March 19, 2024

Can Soft Shell Clams Revive Aquaculture?

Fifty years ago, soft shell clams were so plentiful in the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay that we used them for fish bait or sold them when we could for about $2 per basket. Today, they’re rare as hen’s teeth, and Morgan State University scientists hope to help make soft shell clams a viable aquaculture product, boosting the shellfish industry.

Special Hunt Day for Vets, Military, Youth

Hunt Day

Maryland’s youth hunters, veterans, and military personnel will be afforded a unique opportunity to experience Maryland’s tradition of waterfowl hunting Feb. 4, 2023.  

Cap’n Jack IDs Wintering Birds in the Chesapeake

birds wintering in the Chesapeake

While winter sends some of the Chesapeake Bay wildlife to warmer climes, the bay remains active throughout the season with many different ducks and birds wintering in the Chesapeake. Here are some of the ducks — and an eagle.

2022 Rockfish Young-of-Year Survey Results

MD DNR released this year’s juvenile striped bass survey, which tracks the reproductive success of the iconic rockfish in the Chesapeake Bay. The 2022 young-of-year index is 3.6, which is slightly higher than last year’s result, but remains below the long-term average of 11.3.

MD Has Trees Available for Spring 2023

Orders are being accepted for the spring 2023 planting season for shrubs and trees from the John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery, managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

MD Record Smooth Dogfish Caught in Atlantic

Fay Ganster of Reading, Pennsylvania has been officially recognized by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources as the new state record holder for the Atlantic Division with an 18-pound smooth dogfish she caught off the coast of Ocean City on October 22.

MD Migratory Game Season ’22-’23 Begins

Bird Stamp

Mourning dove and early Canada goose seasons are now open. Maryland’s Guide to Hunting and Trapping in the ’22-’23 season has posted.

Mockingbirds and Bluebirds: Message from the Cap’n

Mockingbirds and Bluebirds are chattering and multiplying in the Cap’n’s backyard. Probably in yours, too.

Chesapeake Birds Use Tools, Says the Cap’n

Birds use tools, says the Cap’n. He’s spied on them doing it and also runs a fresh fish catering service to a family of osprey.

Looking Back 50 Yrs. at Hurricane Agnes – Message From the Cap’n

I watched Tropical Storm Agnes, 50 years ago this month, change my small part of the watershed, for the worst. It hasn’t recovered. Experts say none of the Chesapeake Bay recovered from Agnes.