From the Maryland-District of Columbia boundary line (near Woodrow Wilson Bridge) to the mouth of the River at Point Lookout, Maryland, and Smith Point, Virginia, the Commission regulates and licenses the fisheries of the main stem of the tidal Potomac River.
Commission work seeks to conserve and improve fishery resources of the tidewater portion of the Potomac River. Indeed, the Commission is responsible for reseeding and replanting oysters bars in the Potomac. In addition, the Commission regulates the dredging of soft-shell clams in the Potomac River. From the sale of clam, crab, oyster and fishing licenses, and an oyster inspection tax, the Commission receives proceeds. Annually, each state also appropriates approximately $175,000 to Commission work.
While the Commission is a semi-autonomous agency, its work and policies are coordinated closely with Fishing and Boating Services of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and the Marine Resources Commission of Virginia. Fishery agencies of both states provide law enforcement on the Potomac River for the Commission.
Eight members constitute the Commission. Four are from Maryland, and four from Virginia. Maryland members include the Secretary of Natural Resources and three persons named to four-year terms by the Governor (Code Natural Resources Article, sec. 4-306).
The Commission has three advisory committees whose members are private citizens involved in commercial or recreational fishing. Appointed to four-year terms by the Commission, they recommend to the Commission modifications of regulations, licensing, or other issues.
Maryland crabber appointed by Commission to 1-year term: John B. Morris, Jr., 2021
FINFISH ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Maryland members appointed by Commission to 4-year terms:
Robert T. Brown, Sr., Chair, 2023
Harry M. Boyden, 2021; Jeffrey Pharis, 2021; James A. Bowling, 2024; Thomas L. Crowder, Sr., 2024; George G. Willett, Jr., 2024; Philip F. Zalesak, 2024.
Maryland member appointed by Commission to 1-year term: Russell A. Sullivan, 2022
OYSTER & CLAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Maryland members appointed by Commission to 4-year terms:
John F. Tucker Brown, Chair, 2024
Brian D. Hite, 2022; William L. Rice, Jr., 2023; Paul M. Springer III, 2025.
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e-mail: mdmanual@maryland.gov
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