FISHERIES ADMINISTRATION
Robert J. Rubelmann, Administrator
Tawes State Office Building,
Annapolis 21401 Telephone: 269-3558
The Fisheries Administration, created by
Chapter 348, Acts of 1972 combines the
functions of the former Department of
Chesapeake Bay Affairs established by
Chapter 82, Acts of 1964 and the Fish and
Wildlife Administration created by Chapter
252, Acts of 1970. The former department
superseded the Department of Tidewater
Fisheries established by Chapter 508, Acts
of 1941, while the latter Administration suc-
ceeded the former Department of Game and
Inland Fish established by Chapter 354,
Acts of 1939. The Administration is re-
sponsible for the preservation, enhancement,
development and use of all fishery resources
in Maryland, both tidal and freshwater. The
agency is directed by an Administrator ap-
pointed by the Secretary of Natural Re-
sources.
During the 1975 fiscal year, the Admin-
istration managed a commercial seafood re-
source with a dockside value of $26.1 mil-
lion. Production figures of individual species
were: oysters, 2.4 million bushels with a
value of $16.8 million; crabs, 25.9 million
pounds valued at $5.1 million; clams, 6.4
million pounds valued at $2.1 million; and
finfish, 14.9 million pounds valued at $2.1
million.
Part of the Administration's tidewater
fishery management program included
planting 6 million bushels of oyster shells
for propagation purposes, transplanting
seed oysters on 2,000 acres of public oyster
bars, monitored blue crab movement to de-
termine fluctuations in annual harvest, in-
vestigation of 50 instances of fish mor-
talities, an inventory of 106 one-mile stream
sections in an anadromous fish study, and
monitoring of striped bass reproduction and
harvesting.
Its freshwater fishery management pro-
gram included stocking Maryland ponds
and streams with 770,000 finfish.
In addition, the administration produces
over 320.000 freshwater trout, stocked from |
Maryland's hatcheries. Extensive rehabilita-
tion of the lakes, ponds and streams was
carried on through chemical and mechanical
means to provide better freshwater fishing
(Natural Resources Article, sees. 1-208 to
10-1101; 1970 Repl. Vol., Art. 66C, sees.
112A-328).
Freshwater fishing licenses totalled
135,000.
Staff: 72.
WILDLIFE ADMINISTRATION
Earl H. Hodil, Administrator
Tawes State Office Building,
Annapolis 21401 Telephone: 269-3195
The Wildlife Administration, created by
Chapter 348, Acts of 1972, is responsible
for the maintenance of an abundant popula-
tion of wildlife throughout the state. The
Administrator is appointed by the Secretary
of Natural Resources.
Among its duties is the management of
thirty-five wildlife areas, encompassing 102,-
000 acres.
Recreational activities on state-owned and
cooperative lands included hunting, fishing
and crabbing, trapping, birdwatchings, field
trials, dog training and hiking, nature study
and appreciation.
In addition, the Administration evaluates
public demands, wildlife population and
harvest parameters, environmental factors
and applies management techniques to in-
sure sustained production for use.
The 1973 Session of the Maryland Gen-
eral Assembly approved a Non-Game Sec-
tion to be added to the staff of the Wildlife
Administration.
The Section is funded with general and
special funds—approximately 90% general
and 10% special.
Endangered species, song and insectivo-
rous birds and other wildlife will be studied,
managed and protected as the need arises
and funds allow (Natural Resources Article,
sec. 10-101). |
