PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — After 10 years since the Chesapeake Bay Program established a plan, Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) announced a milestone in their oyster restoration project, a release states.
On Monday, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced the completion of the oyster restoration project in Chesapeake Bay watershed. The project included a completion of over 200 acres of restored oyster habitat in the Lower York River — solidifying Virginia as home to the largest oyster restoration effort of its kind in the U.S., a release states.
The plan was created in 2014 by the Chesapeake Bay Program and includes restoring ten Bay tributaries across Virginia and Maryland by 2025. Due to its success, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation has called to expand oyster restoration to 20 additional Bay tributaries by 2035.
“From oyster restoration to water quality improvements, Virginia remains fully committed to ensuring a vibrant and healthy Chesapeake Bay for generations to come, Virginia Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources Travis Voyles said. “This accomplishment is a tremendous example of what can be achieved through a true partnership approach. We will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure the sustainable growth of Virginia’s oyster population and the Commonwealth’s position as the East Coast’s top oyster producer.”
The most recent accomplishment was a result of combined efforts from the VMRC Shellfish Management Division. Funding provided by NOAA allowed for more advanced technology to assist in efforts.
“NOAA is excited to celebrate not only the tremendous work to restore more than 200 acres of oyster reef in the York River – and the habitat these reefs will provide for species including black sea bass, summer flounder, and blue crabs – but also to highlight the partnership among Virginia agencies and NOAA that made it happen,” deputy director of NOAA Fisheries’ Office of Habitat Conservation Dr. Sunny Snider said.
Youngkin, along with Congressmen, delegates and representatives, commemoratively signed the final oyster shells to be added to the restored Lower York River oyster reef.
“These symbolic shells were then scattered on the oyster reef, marking the completed restoration of this Chesapeake Bay tributary,” a release states.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation President Hilary Falk issued the following statement:
“It’s incredible to see how oyster restoration goals, which were set back in 2014, are now being met. This oyster restoration success is a prime example of how smart, targeted investments can help us turn prior challenges into one of our greatest strengths as a community. The Lower York River oyster restoration achievements underscores why we must continue to ramp up oyster restoration work for the next 20 Bay tributaries.”
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