There's great news for those of us who love nothing more than ordering a plate of Bay oysters on the half shell to go along with a cold beer or crisp Reisling. It's one of the few indulgences we can have as Bay countrymen: in other parts of the country, the oysters are flown in from exotic locales and have the price tag to prove it. On Wednesday, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley announced that the state's programs to boost oyster cultivation was working: the population has more than doubled in the last four years, hitting its highest point since 1985. There are multiple reasons for the oyster's resurgence on the Bay. For one, the survival rate is higher, leading to an increase in reproduction numbers in both 2010 and 2012. In addition, oyster diseases are decreasing. Dermo and MSX, two diseases present among Bay oysters, continue to be active in the population but are both below the long-term average of historic levels. Rampant disease, coupled with over fishing (beginning in the 1800s) and depletion of the oyster's natural habitat are all reasons for the earlier problems. Maryland launched one of the most aggressive oyster rehabilitation efforts under O'Malley, who increased the network of oyster sanctuaries from 9 to 24 percent of remaining habitat. In addition, 1.25 billion spat were introduced to the Bay last year, along with more aggressive law enforcement monitoring and penalties for offenders. The survey is cautiously optimistic, but DNR Secretary Joe Gill sounds enthusiastic. “Preliminary harvest reports for the past season have already surpassed 400,000 bushels – with a dockside value in excess of $13 million - the highest in at least 15 years,” he says.  To read the DNR's press release, click here. And if you haven't yet, be sure to watch the great documentary, Spat! on oysters and watermen in the Chesapeake Bay. Spat! Bringing Oysters Back to the Chesapeake Bay from Sandy Cannon-Brown on Vimeo.