Best Oyster Crop in Virginia Since 1989

For the first time in more than 20 years, Virginia's oyster harvest is thriving. In the past decade alone, bushels increased from 23,000 in 2001 to 236,000 in 2011, reports The Associated Press.

The surge is attributed to a combination of natural circumstances and a concentrated effort on behalf of the Virginia Marine Resources Commission to let oysters mature by shutting down oystering areas for one to two years and implementing a rotational system of harvest, staggering the planting of oyster shells, reports the Northern Neck News.

Until recently, the shortage of oysters in the region lead to inflated prices and the decision of restaurants to purchase seafood that was more profitable, like shrimp. This burgeoning harvest is expected to result in an upswing for the local economy, with estimates delivered by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science predicting a value of $22 million.

"To continue to grow Virginia’s economy and create jobs, it is critical that the commonwealth continue efforts to restore oysters and to improve water quality in the bay and its rivers," said Tommy Leggett, the Virginia oyster restoration specialist at The Chesapeake Bay Foundation. "Bay and oyster restoration have never been so timely or important."


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