Bay Journal

The oysterman’s lament

Several Shore papers are reporting watermen are going on strike because the oyster price is dropping too low. Typically, watermen make most of their oyster money between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Now should be prime oyster time, but the catches are not as good as they were last year. And watermen can harvest from fewer of their best spots, because of sanctuaries put in place by the O'Malley administration.

They are hoping a price protest changes the buyers' minds. It worked once before, with crabs.

No question, oystering is a tough way to make a living. Brutal weather, hard work, rising fuel costs, new regulations and increasing pollution are just a few of the reasons so many have found other work over the years. Without a good price, many more of them won't be able to make a living.

• Category: Energy