Chesapeake Bay Oyster Restoration
With the present state of oyster populations in the Chesapeake Bay, do you think it is the governmentâÂÂs responsibility to step in a facilitate restoration measures?
| 81% (62) | Yes, this is a matter that involves legislative attention | |
|---|---|---|
| 18% (14) | No, private efforts and public involvement should be sufficient |
76 voters have answered this question.
If this matter requires government intervention, to what level do you think it applies?
| 23% (18) | Local government; individual efforts from smaller areas will be sufficient to stabilize the situation | |
|---|---|---|
| 47% (36) | State government; each state should clean up their own region of the Chesapeake Bay | |
| 28% (22) | National government; this is a multi-state problem and requires coordination with local and state government as well as private organizations |
76 voters have answered this question.
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.
| 52% (40) | âÂÂKeep Offâ signs provide adequate protection | |
|---|---|---|
| 60% (46) | Rezoning of all nearby waterways will guard mounds from the hazards of boaters | |
| 42% (32) | Government funded advertisement campaigns presenting information about the new structures will keep people from disturbing these fragile areas | |
| 44% (34) | 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 |
76 voters have answered this question.
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.
| 82% (63) | Tighten and improve enforcement of pollution laws | |
|---|---|---|
| 77% (59) | Improve regulations on fertilizer use in the surrounding agricultural community | |
| 56% (43) | Further restrict catch limits of state oyster fisheries |
76 voters have answered this question.
With the current research available, do you think it beneficial to introduce the Asian oyster?
| 14% (11) | Yes, unrestricted bolstering of current population levels will improve conditions in the Chesapeake Bay⦠âÂÂthe sooner the betterâ | |
|---|---|---|
| 7% (6) | Yes, introduction of the Asian oyster in restricted areas for research purposes is best followed by heavy risk/benefit analysis⦠establish communities while studying | |
| 50% (38) | 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 | |
| 27% (21) | 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 |
76 voters have answered this question.
Would you participate in community-based oyster reef restorative efforts?
| 67% (51) | Yes | |
|---|---|---|
| 32% (25) | No |
76 voters have answered this question.
