Joe Fudge, Daily Press file photo
State and federal officials are at loggerheads over how to restore oysters in the Chesapeake Bay.
In one corner is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which favors building large-scale oyster reefs that are off-limits to the commercial fishing industry.
In the other is the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, whose scientists prefer smaller reefs that are partly accessible to commercial harvesting.
Also in the mix is the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, which has high-profile professors backing each agency.
In the balance is $2 million that could be used to help revive the beleaguered bivalve, which accounted for $3.8 million in dockside sales in 2009.
The corps, with the backing of VIMS professor Rom Lipcius, wants to continue building a large sanctuary in the Great Wicomico River.
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