Origin & Functions

The Potomac River Fisheries Commission is a bi-state commission of Maryland and Virginia, authorized by the U.S. Congress under the Potomac River Compact of 1958. Maryland ratified the Compact in 1959 (Chapter 269, Acts of 1959).

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 (external website, opens in new tab) .

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 oyster 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 (external website, opens in new tab) 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.

CRAB ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Maryland members appointed in March by Commission to 4-year terms:
Glen Harding, Chair, 2027
Dean Edward Bowie, 2026; Gary O. Lengerhuis, 2026; James Berthe, 2027; Samuel F. Swann III, 2028.

Maryland crabber appointed by Commission to 1-year term: John B. Morris, Jr., 2026

FINFISH ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Maryland members appointed by Commission in March to 4-year terms:
Russell A. Sullivan, Chair, 2027
Richard Turner, Jr., 2026; James A. Bowling, 2028; Robert T. Brown, Sr., 2028; Charles Crowder, 2028; Richard Alan Polk, 2028; George G. Willett, Jr., 2028.

Maryland member appointed by Commission to 1-year term: vacancy

OYSTER & CLAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Maryland members appointed by Commission in March to 4-year terms:
Lee Deihl, Chair, 2027
Brian D. Hite, 2026; Paul M. Springer III, 2026; William L. Rice, Jr., 2029; Francis Warring, 2029.

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