The oyster restoration in the Chesapeake Bay is the largest oyster restoration project in the world. Through hard work with our partners, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has built up successful oyster reefs in five rivers in Maryland. These reefs are home to growing populations of oysters, which filter water in the Bay and provide habitat for crabs and fish. In the past 20 years, oysters have more than tripled in Maryland’s part of the Chesapeake Bay, with more than 7.6 billion adult oysters now in Maryland waters, with significant increases seen at oyster restoration sanctuaries. The good news for oysters is good news for watermen, Maryland’s economy, the Chesapeake Bay, and the many other species that oysters support. With this historic achievement completed, Maryland is already planning the next major undertakings for oysters, with restoration work planned in Herring Bay, the Nanticoke River, and Hoopers Strait sanctuaries.