State law prohibits leasing where oysters grow naturally. But those restrictions are based on century-old surveys, when oysters were much more abundant, so much of the bay is off-limits. Leasing also is completely banned in a handful of counties.

The initiative comes as Maryland, Virginia and the federal government weigh how to go about restoring the bay's disease-depleted oyster stocks as well as

Some aquaculture and aquaponics systems, such as those for salmon, are "open," not contained. They are susceptible to diseases that can be spread, pollution and fish escapes that are not easily controlled or monitored in a standardized way.

There are several troubling aspects in the proposed regulations, chief among them is allowing wild fish meal to be used to feed the penned fish. To maintain

Marine aquaculture is the fastest growing food sector in the world, growing at 9 per cent per annum everywhere except in the EU, where growth is stagnating. In Europe we have the perfect environment for fish farming. We have an almost limitless coastline with ideal bays, fjords and sea conditions. We lead the world in the science and technology necessary for a thriving aquaculture and Aquaponics

Aquaponics offer benefits to both Gardener's and Fish Farmers. Fish Farmers may utilize aquaponics if they have difficulty disposing the nutrient rich fish water, while hydroponics growers benefit from having a constant supply of free plant food - eliminating the need to purchase commercial fertilizers.

In hydroponics and aeroponics applications, the nutrient solution needs to be prepared -

I came across this article about growing and cooking your own herbs to add fresh zest flavor. Herbs run the gamut of about 70 cultivars, broken into categories of medicinal, ornamental, and aromatic as well as culinary or cooking herbs. To start growing cooking herbs, it's best first to select where and how you want to grow them.

For easy access, plant your herb garden as close to your kitchen