SMOCS will bring together individuals who are enthusiastic about raising oysters to help clean up the waters of creek along the lower Patuxent River and educate as many people as possible about the benefits of restoring oysters to the Chesapeake Bay. 

Its programs will be designed to facilitate the exchange of information on oyster cultivation, support oyster cultivation programs, make information available to local schools and community organizations about oyster cultivation, and obtain the support of the local community for cleaning up local tributaries. 

ADOPT-A-DOCK©

SMOCS knows that many residents of southern Maryland would like to raise oysters, but do not live on the water. For those members, SMOCS will work with owners of waterfront property willing to let others raise oysters next to or under their docks. These "surrogate" farmers would provide critical support for SMOCS cultivation programs.

SMOCS will make every effort to obtain as many Adopt-a-Dock© supporters as possible so that anyone who wants to participate will be able to do so.

BUILD A REEF - SAVE THE OYSTER!

OYSTERS ARE:

• One of Nature’s most efficient ways of cleaning Bay waters of excess algae, thereby reducing nitrogen pollution.
• Indicators of water quality (oysters are to the Bay what canaries are to coal mines).
• A symbol of the economic and cultural history of Solomons Island and other communities along the lower Patuxent River. The hard work and character of the watermen who lived and worked here define the history and traditions of the lower Patuxent River.
• An effective tool for educating school children and community organizations about the environmental and economic benefits of clean waters.

SMOCS WORKS WITH COMMUNITY GROUPS

4-H OF CALVERT COUNTY

The Southern Maryland Oyster Cultivation Society (SMOCS) has teamed with the University of Maryland Extension [and the Maryland Sea Grant Extension/ Chesapeake Biological Laboratory] Educator[s] in a 4-H project study of oyster aquaculture.  This program provides 4-Hers with a basic knowledge about the environmental conditions that oysters require, the ways that oysters help the environment, and currently practiced aquaculture techniques.

In this program, 4-Hers participate in a wide range of activities including:

• Measuring and recording water quality.
• Tracking the growth of three forms of the native oyster (Crassostrea virginica).
• Observing the growth rates of oysters at different locations.
• Noting the varieties of marine life that share the environment around oysters.

4-Hers will be able to share this knowledge by participating in local and national conferences, public speaking contests, and other 4-H and community events.  In 4-H, youth learn life skills by working with various projects.  The life skills that 4-H’ers develop include leadership, citizenship, responsibility, and decision making, to help them become competent, caring, confident citizens.

For more about 4-H, click here.