(Asian) oysters on the half shell

Almost two months ago, I blogged that a decision was expected soon about whether to deliberately introduce an Asian oyster to Chesapeake Bay in the hope of reviving the Bay’s flagging oyster harvest.  Well, it may not qualify as “soon,” but the Washington Post reports that the U.S., Virginia, and Maryland have agreed to halt experimental farming of the Asian oyster.  Instead, they will concentrate on efforts to restore the native species.  At the insistence of Virginia (among the three, the chief booster of introducing new oyster species), the group agreed that the issue could be revisited if new information clarifies the risks of introduction.

Asian oyster, Chesapeake Bay, invasive species