Current bids and opportunities

We're Hiring Watermen (1)

WE’RE HIRING WATERMEN

Let’s work together to grow Maryland’s oyster production and improve our coastal resources and economy. Please fill out this form to let us know what opportunities you’re interested in.

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OPPORTUNITIES

OYSTER PLANTING VESSEL REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

The Oyster Recovery Partnership (ORP) is seeking qualified vessels, captains, and crew to transport and plant oyster spat-on-shell (SOS), substrate (aged oyster shell, concrete, etc.), and/or wild seed for our large-scale sanctuary restoration and public fishery programs throughout the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay. 

This year, we are separating the process into two steps to streamline the procurement of qualified vessels.   

  • Step 1. Request for Qualifications (this announcement) – Vessel owners submit required qualifications to be considered eligible for 2025 planting operations. 
  • Step 2. Request for Bid – Vessels determined to meet the requirements will be requested to provide bids for planting in specific locations in Maryland waters. 

Request for Qualifications: 

Sanctuary Spat-on-Shell Transport and Planting
Public Fishery Seed and Substrate Transport and Planting 

Applicants must agree to and comply with the policies and requirements included in ORP’s General Services Agreement and DNR’s General Conditions for MOUs.  

Application Due Date: Friday, March 21, 2025 at 5pm 

Applications missing any required components will be disqualified. All vessel requirements must be met by the time of application submission. 

Virtual Interest Meeting: Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 5pm  

Please access the meeting at the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84742640819?pwd=LhmL0SGIADeaFLo4SaNTXAD6K69Ihx.1.  

Please direct any questions to: 

Sanctuary: Olivia Caretti, [email protected], 410-990-4970 ext. 1013
Public Fishery: Jen Walters, [email protected], 410-990-4970 ext. 1019 

OYSTER MONITORING VESSEL BIDS

ORP contracts watermen for patent tong and dive monitoring of restored reefs.

DERELICT FISHING GEAR RETRIEVAL

ORP hires commercial watermen to retrieve derelict crab pots. For information on past and current projects, click here. Let us know if you’re aware of an area that could use some clean-up.