Environmental impact of hydraulic escalator dredging on oyster communities

Abstract

A study to assess the effects of hydraulic escalator dredging on an oyster community was initiated at the request of the Department of Natural Resources, Mary1and Tidewater Fisheries Administration. The purpose of the work was to reevaluate a study done by Manning (1957). A site in the Patuxent River north of Broome Island classified as oyster bottom was selected to conduct an in - situ intensive experiment using the Manning study as a framework for project design. Clams and oysters were present in the study area,although oyster populations were limited in number. (PDFs consists of pp 1-97 and additional Sect II: Middle Bay proposed reclassification sites