Document Type
Report
Department/Program
Virginia Institute of Marine Science
VIMS Department/Program
Marine Advisory Services (MAS)
Publication Date
6-1-2012
Series
VIMS Marine Resource Report No. 2012-04 || Virginia Sea Grant publication no. VSG-12-07
Abstract
The shellfish aquaculture industry in Virginia continues to grow, adding significant value to the state’s seafood marketplace. Today, watermen continue to harvest both hard clams and oysters from the state’s public resources, albeit at diminished rates. At the same time, Virginia’s watermen-farmers are providing growing quantities of additional quality shellfish to consumers. In recent years, folliowing the lead of the hard clam industry, a significant transition to intensive aquaculture of native oysters is underway. The once-extensive oyster planting utilizing wild seed has contracted primarily as a result of endemic oyster diseases and increasing wildlife predation of seed oysters. In its place is an emerging aquaculture sector based on improved culture techniques and disease-resistant oyster seed. While these trends are widely acknowledged, there has been no consistent reporting of production and economic trends in Virginia’s shellfish aquaculture industry. Periodic assessments are necessary to inform growers and related interests about the actual status and trends in the industry. The intent of this survey is to continue annual assessments with which to gauge growth and inputs in Virginia’s shellfish aquaculture industry. This report is based upon an industry survey completed during the first quarter of 2012.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21220/V5PQ7G
Keywords
Shellfish culture -- Virginia; Aquaculture -- Virginia; Shellfish fisheries -- Virginia -- Management; Shellfish trade -- Virginia
Recommended Citation
Murray, T. J., & Hudson, K. (2012) Virginia Shellfish Aquaculture Situation and Outlook Report : Results of the 2011 Virginia Shellfish Aquaculture Crop Reporting Survey. VIMS Marine Resource Report No. 2012-04 || Virginia Sea Grant publication no. VSG-12-07. Virginia Institute of Marine Science, William & Mary. https://doi.org/10.21220/V5PQ7G
