The risks of rogue introductions are likely high under the no-introduction management option; may remain high to moderate under the triploid aquaculture option, particularly among the “have not” stakeholders; and are likely low to moderate under the diploid introduction model. The potential impact of a rogue introduction is high, owing to the substantial ecological impacts that have been documented following the unintended cointroduction of other organisms besides the oyster.

The breadth and quality of existing information on oysters and other introduced species are not sufficient to support a comprehensive risk assessment of the three management options.

Comprehensive risk assessment is also not practicable, owing to the lack of well-defined and/or conflicting objectives and goals among Chesapeake Bay management agencies and users.