Potentially bad news for Oyster lovers in the bay area

I just heard on NPR about the upcoming controversial 2012 expiration of oyster farming permits in Drakes Bay (of the Point Reyes National Seashore) by the National Park Service.

Part of the NPS argument is that mariculture in Drakes Bay has potentially harmful effects on the native harbor seal populations as well as other plant and wildlife.  However, the scientific data they present in support of this notion has come into question.  Here is an excerpt from a National Academy of Science report:

After evaluating the limited scientific literature on Drakes Estero and the relevant research from other areas, the committee concludes that there is a lack of strong scientific evidence that shellfish farming has major adverse ecological effects on Drakes Estero....Adaptive management could help address effects, if any, that emerge with additional scientific research and monitoring to more fully understand the Drakes Estero ecosystem and the effects of shellfish farming.

A little bit of background on Point Reyes:  In 1932, the native Olympia oyster was overharvested and virtually extinct, so farmers began importing nonnative Pacific oysters, which is what is farmed today.  In 1962, Department of Interior (DOI) designated this area as a Wilderness area managed by the National Park Service.  Taking into consideration the business and livelihood of mariculture at the time, they allowed limited-term (50yrs) permits to oysters farmers with the possibility of a full conversion to Wilderness status in the future where no commercial activity exists (i.e. 'non-conforming').  As the National Academy of Science report states:

If the legal opinion of the DOI Solicitor’s Office stands, then NPS has no authority to offer a new [permit] because the mariculture operation is judged as a nonconforming use in a Wilderness area, preventing conversion to full Wilderness status. If a decision were made to extend the lease of [Drakes Bay Oyster farming], science would be required to help establish and adjust permit conditions to enhance the benefits (derived largely from the presence and biological activities of oysters) and minimize the risks (derived largely from the activities of the culturists) of the mariculture operation.

So, it's quite possible the NPS will not extend the permit for oyster farming regardless of the science.