~ 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 from March 20-31. This event aims to showcase Maryland oysters and offer deals and discounts to consumers.

Chesapeake Oyster Week is a celebration of both wild-caught and farmed-raised oysters, encouraging people to support restaurants that give back to ORP and help restore the Chesapeake Bay. The campaign is proudly sponsored by Conrad's Crabs, Don Julio Blanco, and Tito's Handmade Vodka.

Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks expressed his excitement for the event, stating that "Maryland oysters are an excellent source of protein and packed with essential nutrients. By enjoying these delicious oysters, we can also support the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay."

Aside from promoting the consumption of Maryland oysters, Chesapeake Oyster Week also focuses on ORP's mission to restore the Bay and its native oyster populations. ORP relies on Shell Recycling Alliance member restaurants to provide shells crucial for their restoration efforts. By eating at these shell-recycling restaurants during Chesapeake Oyster Week, patrons can show their appreciation for businesses that are environmentally friendly.

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Ward Slacum, Executive Director of ORP, emphasized the impact of this event on both the seafood industry and the health of the Chesapeake Bay. "When you choose local oysters at Bay-friendly restaurants that recycle shells," he said, "you're not only supporting our hardworking seafood industry but also investing in the health of our beloved Bay."

Founded in 1994, ORP is a non-profit organization based in Annapolis. With support from major partners, they have successfully planted 14 billion oysters on over 3,000 acres of reef. They also run the Shell Recycling Alliance - the largest shell recycling network in the nation - which annually recycles around 30,000 bushels of oyster shells from 200 restaurants and 70 public drop sites in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Over 60 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 the participating businesses and their promotions. The festivities will kick off at Guinness Open Gate Brewery's Oyster & Music Festival on March 20th, where guests can enjoy locally sourced oysters paired with Guinness beer and live music.

Restaurants that wish to participate can still do so by contacting Kaylee Fleury. For more information about Chesapeake Oyster Week, please reach out to Maryland's Best Seafood Marketing Director Matthew Scales. Let's all come together to support our local seafood industry and make a lasting difference for the Chesapeake Bay during this exciting event!

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