Maryland Shellfish Aquaculture Disaster Relief Loan Program (Shellfish Aquaculture Disaster Relief Loan)

The Maryland Shellfish Aquaculture Disaster Relief Loan Program provides zero-interest loans of $10,000 to eligible shellfish aquaculture producers to help cover personal and business expenses associated with their oyster farming operations. It assists Maryland oyster farmers impacted by a difficult year marked by declining markets, adverse weather, and environmental disruptions.

Eligible shellfish aquaculture producers may receive a zero-interest loan of $10,000 while funding remains available.

Zero-interest ($10,000) loan. Repayment begins February 1, 2027 in 10 equal quarterly principal payments; no collateral security is required. Loan forgiveness: an amount equal to the final two quarterly payments is forgiven for good repayment performance - if a borrower makes the first 80% of required payments on time or early, the remaining 20% is not due. Borrowers more than 90 days late on a quarterly payment lose forgiveness eligibility and owe the entire balance plus late fees and default interest. If a borrower holding a Tidal Fish License (TFL) is more than 90 days late, MARBIDCO notifies DNR, which may not approve a transfer of the TFL until the borrower becomes compliant.

Applications open August 3 and are accepted through August 31, 2026. Electronic submission is encouraged and applications may be emailed to oysterloans@marbidco.org, or mailed to MARBIDCO, Attn: Oyster Relief Loans, 1410 Forest Drive, Suite 21, Annapolis, MD 21403. For additional information, contact MARBIDCO at 410-267-6807.