Oyster Harvest and Restoration History in the Chesapeake

As a keystone species, oysters are foundational for all life in the Chesapeake Bay. However, oyster populations are a shadow of their former selves. But there is hope. Through a variety of initiatives, the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) is working to write a new chapter for oysters in the Bay. David Sikorski, Executive Director for CCA, will present on the history of oyster harvest and restoration in the Chesapeake Bay, starting in the post Civil War period up to today.

David Sikorski is a native Marylander and lifelong sportsman. In David’s current role as Executive Director at Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Maryland, he works to advise and educate the public on the conservation of our shared marine resources, and to enhance fisheries habitat through CCA’s Living Reef Action Campaign, a reef-ball building program. As a long-time participant in fisheries management, David currently serves as a member of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and works hard to connect stakeholders to the decisions being made that can impact the future of fishing in the Chesapeake Bay and beyond.