Mister Poll: Chesapeake Bay Oyster Restoration

The Chesapeake Bay has experienced a significant reduction in water quality since the declination of oyster populations as a result of human activity. Oysters are the keystone species in the Chesapeake Bay so their destruction has lead to the subsequent destructions of other marine populations. Unfortunately, recent efforts to reverse deterioration of oyster numbers are few, expensive, scientifically unproven, and possibly provide further risks for the environment. However, failure to act is far more dangerous to the Bay. Six questions follow pertaining to oyster restoration efforts in Virginia and Maryland. This is an anonymous poll. Thank you for your time.

With the present state of oyster populations in the Chesapeake Bay, do you think it is the government’s responsibility to step in a facilitate restoration measures?

Yes, this is a matter that involves legislative attention

No, private efforts and public involvement should be sufficient

If this matter requires government intervention, to what level do you think it applies?

Local government; individual efforts from smaller areas will be sufficient to stabilize the situation

State government; each state should clean up their own region of the Chesapeake Bay

National government; this is a multi-state problem and requires coordination with local and state government as well as private organizations

Currently, establishing disease-free oyster shell mounds is the most effective measure to return oyster populations and reef communities to previous numbers; however, restoration zones require protection from human interference. How should laws defend the spawning mound efforts? Select all you think apply.

“Keep Off” signs provide adequate protection

Rezoning of all nearby waterways will guard mounds from the hazards of boaters

Government funded advertisement campaigns presenting information about the new structures will keep people from disturbing these fragile areas

Education programs available free of charge on the current state of oyster populations and cooperation with public school science programs will bolster knowledge of the problem at hand while inspiring the community to get involved

In addition to shell mound building, what supplementary measures should be taken to improving water quality in the Chesapeake Bay? Select all you think apply.

Tighten and improve enforcement of pollution laws

Improve regulations on fertilizer use in the surrounding agricultural community

Further restrict catch limits of state oyster fisheries

With the current research available, do you think it beneficial to introduce the Asian oyster?

Yes, unrestricted bolstering of current population levels will improve conditions in the Chesapeake Bay… “the sooner the better”

Yes, introduction of the Asian oyster in restricted areas for research purposes is best followed by heavy risk/benefit analysis… establish communities while studying

No, definitive lab research must be completed prior to the introduction of any new species to avoid any possible unpredicted consequences… study then establish communities

No, we should rely only native species to restore themselves and clean the Chesapeake Bay; the introduction of non-native species disturbs the natural state of an environment

Would you participate in community-based oyster reef restorative efforts?

Yes

This poll was created on 2008-04-10 22:52:27 by ejones10