352/Maryland Manual

ASSISTANT SECRETARY,
NATURAL RESOURCES

James W. Peck, Assistant Secretary for Natural
Resources

Tawes State Office Building
580 Taylor Ave.
Annapolis, MD 21401 974-3548

The Assistant Secretary for Natural Resources is
responsible for three agencies: Tidewater Adminis-
tration; Natural Resources Police Force; and Boat-
ing Administration.

TIDEWATER ADMINISTRATION

Dr. Paul O. Massicot, Administrator

Tawes State Office Building
580 Taylor Ave.
Annapolis, MD 21401 974-2926

The Tidewater Administration was created in
1979 (Chapter 601, Acts of 1979). Reorganized in
1988, the Administration oversees the work of the
Fisheries Division, Coastal Resources Division,
Chesapeake Bay Research and Monitoring Divi-
sion, and Power Plant and Environmental Review
Division.

FISHERIES DIVISION
W. Peter Jensen, Director 974-3558

The Fisheries Division carries out duties of the
former Fisheries Administration, created by Chap-
ter 348, Acts of 1972. The Division preserves,
enhances, develops, and oversees use of fishery
resources in Maryland.

The Division's Fishery Management Program
plants oyster shells for propagation, transplants
seed oysters on public oyster bars, and monitors
blue crab movement to gauge fluctuations in an-
nual harvest. The Program studies young fish annu-
ally to determine reproductive success, monitors
anadromous fish reproduction and harvests, sup-
ports striped bass hatcheries for research and re-
lease, and develops pond and reservoir fisheries.
The Program also reviews permit applications, in-
vestigates disease and parasite infestations, devel-
ops and analyzes statistics for management
decisions, and formulates management plans. The
Division strives to provide maximum opportunities
for public trout fishing within existing habitat while
preserving and enhancing natural trout resources
within the State.

In 1984, the Department began an "Adopt a
Rockfish" Program (Chapter 687, Acts of 1984).
Under this program, any person may "adopt" a
rockfish by paying $5.00 to the Department. The

"adoption" entitles the person to a certificate of
appreciation for helping to save the rockfish, the
State fish. Revenues received are used to monitor
striped bass (rockfish) and inform the public of
ecological management programs.

The Watermen's Compensation Program is con-
ducted by the Division. Recommended by the Task
Force to Develop a Watermen's Compensation Pro-
gram, the Program supplements the income of
commercial fishermen and charter boat captains
affected by the moratorium on fishing for rockfish.
Under the Program, commercial fishermen are em-
ployed to conduct field surveys and finfish enhance-
ment projects under Division direction.

The Division also sponsors the "Catch a For-
tune" Contest. To stimulate interest in sport fishing
for species other than rockfish, fish worth substan-
tial prizes are tagged and released for this contest.

The Division is served by seven advisory com-
mittees: Clam Advisory Committee; Sport Fisher-
ies Advisory Commission; Statewide Oyster Divers
Committee; Statewide Oyster Dredgers Commit-
tee; Statewide Oyster Patent Tongers Committee;
and Tidal Fisheries Advisory Commission.

CLAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Contact: W. Peter Jensen 974-3558
(Code Natural Resources Article, sec. 4-1032)

SPORT FISHERIES ADVISORY COMMISSION

Chairperson: Ronald A. Moser, 1989
Contact: W. Peter Jensen 974-3558

Appointed by Governor with advice of Secretary of
Natural Resources: Dr. James Gilford, 1989;
Kenneth Wilson, 1989; C. Donald Auld, 1990;
Kimberly Kaestner, 1990;TammieMumma, 1990;
William G. Huppert, 1992; Edward O'Brien,
1992; GuyTurenne, 1992.

The Commission advises the Department on
sport fishing matters. The Commission consists of
nine members appointed to four-year terms (Code
Natural Resources Article, secs. 1-102, 4-204).

STATEWIDE OYSTER DIVERS COMMITTEE

Appointed by Governor: not yet appointed

STATEWIDE OYSTER DREDGERS COMMITTEE

Contact: W. Peter Jensen 974-3558
(Code Natural Resources Article, sec. 4-1106)

STATEWIDE OYSTER PATENT TONGERS
COMMITTEE

Appointed by Governor: not yet appointed

STATEWIDE OYSTER TONGERS COMMITTEE

Chairperson: Rodney Gross
Contact: W. Peter Jensen 974-3558
(Code Natural Resources Article, sec. 4-1106)