Maryland: Celebrate Chesapeake Oyster Week March 21-31

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ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 10, 2025) ~ Annapolis, MD - The Maryland Department of Agriculture's Maryland's Best program, in collaboration with the Oyster Recovery Partnership (ORP), has announced the upcoming Chesapeake Oyster Week. This celebration of Maryland oysters will take place from March 21-31 and will feature deals and discounts at participating restaurants.

Seafood lovers can look forward to indulging in their favorite shellfish while also supporting the mission to restore the Chesapeake Bay and its native oyster populations. According to Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks, "We are excited to have a Chesapeake Oyster Week that specifically focuses on Maryland oysters. In addition to being a great source of protein, eating oysters at restaurants that recycle shells also helps plant more new oysters in the Bay, providing a sustainable cycle for seafood."

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The ORP relies on Shell Recycling Alliance member restaurants to provide shells critical for Chesapeake Bay oyster restoration efforts. By dining at these shell-recycling restaurants during Chesapeake Oyster Week, patrons can show their appreciation for businesses that are environmentally friendly and support the restoration of the Bay.

Paul Schurick, Director of ORP Partnerships, explains that this event is perfectly timed during Maryland's wild-caught oyster season when "our waters produce some of the finest oysters in the country." He emphasizes the importance of supporting local industries by choosing to eat local oysters at shell-recycling restaurants. "Maryland oysters are a vital part of the Bay's ecosystem and economy," says Schurick. "Choosing to eat local oysters at shell-recycling restaurants is a simple way for people to support these industries while also helping to restore the Bay - one shuck at a time."

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Founded in 1994, Oyster Recovery Partnership is a nonprofit organization based in Annapolis. With support from major partners, ORP has planted over 13 billion oysters on more than 3,000 acres of reef. They are also home to the Shell Recycling Alliance, the nation's largest shell recycling network. This network annually recycles around 30,000 bushels of oyster shells from a network of 200 restaurants and 70 public drop sites in the Mid-Atlantic.

Over 50 local restaurants from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. will be participating in Chesapeake Oyster Week. Patrons are encouraged to visit the event's webpage to see all participating businesses and the promotions they will be offering. Restaurants that are interested in participating can still do so by contacting Kaylee Fleury at kfleury@oysterrecovery.com.

For more information about Chesapeake Oyster Week, please contact Maryland's Best Director of Special Projects Kristin Hanna at Kristin.hanna@maryland.gov. This event is a great opportunity for seafood lovers to support local businesses and contribute to the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay. Don't miss out on this delicious and meaningful celebration!

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