"Rick Meatyard's father planted Chesapeake Bay oysters for him in 1966 as a high school graduation gift.

Three years later, "I was off to the University of Florida, and that paid all my tuition," he said.

Meatyard came back to Tall Timbers, Md., after graduation and built a marina. His family now also runs a restaurant and oyster farm in St. Mary's County.

But oyster aquaculture in the county is running into opposition — from residents who don't like looking at cages and from recreational boaters who don't like having to avoid them."

Cecelia Smith-Schoenwalder reports for Greenwire November 20, 2018. [2]