Way Downstream

In Baltimore, Johns Hopkins has taken the Asian oyster debate to an unsettling place. A study released by the university last week said that the controversial bivalve being considered for introduction in the Chesapeake might contain more of the pathogens that trigger nasty intestinal illnesses. The Ehrlich administration, which supports the Asian oysters, played down the report…

In Washington, there were no dissenters last week when the Senate Energy Committee advanced legislation by Sens. Paul Sarbanes, Maryland, and John Warner, Virginia, establishing a National Historic Trail following Capt. John Smith’s exploration of Chesapeake Bay. Tracing the water route of Smith’s two-year exploration of the Chesapeake Bay region some 400 years ago, it would be the first such federally recognized water trail in the country. Chesapeake tourists will have to step into boats to explore the 3,000 miles of trail ...

In the Middle River, the men had trouble pleading ignorance, so they pleaded guilty after being pinched for poaching thousands of pounds yellow perch out of season. One was president of the Baltimore County Watermen’s Association and another was a past president…

Our Creature Feature comes from the American Kennel Club, which conducted a poll about preparations for the new hurricane season. You guessed it: Three in five pet-owners said that hurricane or not, they would defy authorities and stay with their animals if need be. And two in five even have a list of pet-friendly hotels outside their evacuation area.

But while many people said they have extra pet food, animal vaccination records and even an extra leash, only one in four have assembled everything their furry friends need into a “portable pet disaster kit.” AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson pronounced it “alarming that many of them are not prepared to safely evacuate their animals at a moment’s notice.”