Photo courtesy Chesapeake BaySavers Chesapeake BaySavers, an Annapolis-based environmental nonprofit, wrote House Bill 924 that, when passed, would prohibit any boundary changes to oyster sanctuaries in the Chesapeake Bay until the DNR completes their stock assessment of the oyster population. That bill has now become law. Previously, Governor Hogan's administration had been considering plans to give watermen periodic access to oyster sanctuaries. But the plan was met with skepticism from environmentalists. The bill passed both the House and Senate by veto-proof margins and when it was sent to the Governor, he declined to veto or sign it, thus allowing it to become law. The bill will go into effect on June 1, 2017, prohibiting the DNR from opening up any oyster sanctuaries to harvest this upcoming season.