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Despite a $58-million federal and state campaign, there are fewer oysters than ever in the Chesapeake Bay. The Washington Post reports not only are there fewer oysters, there are fewer oystermen to catch them. Scientists and activists say it will cause problems for the entire Bay since oysters are important to its ecosystem. Robert Glenn of the Coastal Conservation Association of Maryland says, “”You’ve got fewer oysters and oystermen and fewer oyster-related businesses, clearly your money was not well spent.”” Officials blame dirt for choking oysters and diseases for killing them. Thomas O’Connell, director of the Maryland State Fisheries Service, defends their efforts saying, “”Every year we have learned to do better, but there is no oyster restoration book out there.””

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