BALTIMORE (AP) - The Maryland Department of the Environment has removed shellfishing restrictions on a section of the Chester River, citing a drop in bacteria levels in the Eastern Shore waterway.
The department announced Friday that a section between Ashland Landing downstream to Spaniard Point has been approved for shellfish harvesting. The section had previously been classified as conditionally approved, meaning oysters and clams could not be harvested for three days following rainfall of more than an inch in 24 hours.
Areas further upstream remain conditionally approved and the river's headwaters remain closed. The change goes into effect on Monday.
Rains can wash animal waste and sewage into waterways, raising bacteria levels. Filter-feeding shellfish can then concentrate the bacteria, sickening those who consume the shellfish, which are often eaten raw.
