Answer
Juvenile American eels enter estuaries as translucent “glass eels” before maturing in bay habitat—important to Coastal Bays food webs. Specialized commercial fisheries exist under strict rules visitors rarely touch. Observe ecology programs rather than collecting wild elvers.
Sources: Maryland Coastal Bays Program · Maryland DNR
Editorial visitor guidance for Ocean City, Maryland. Confirm current Town of Ocean City, Maryland DNR, NPS Assateague, and NWS rules when regulations or safety apply.
