Report name: Virginia Shellfish Aquaculture Situation and Outlook Report Based on the results of the 2025 Virginia Shellfish Aquaculture Situation and Outlook Survey Authors: Karen Hudson and Shelby B. White, PhD VIMS Marine Advisory Program Abstract: Virginia's shellfish aquaculture industry adds significant value to the state’s seafood economy through sales and employment. It is widely noted that Virginia is the primary producer of hard clams (Mercenaria mercenaria) and eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) in the nation. Since 2004, the Virginia Shellfish Aquaculture Situation and Outlook Survey (“Shellfish Survey”) has been used to track trends in Virginia’s aquaculture industry. Previous reports have highlighted the increased use of intensive aquaculture practices (e.g., using hatchery produced seed) due to increased oyster disease and predation, as well as the growing out of state market for Virginia’s oyster hatchery products. Highlights from the 2025 Shellfish Survey include a $75 million farm gate value and more than 700 individuals directly employed in Virginia’s shellfish aquaculture industry.