During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the proposed shellfish plan for the 2024-2025 oyster season, with significant input from local watermen and representatives from the Virginia Waterman's Association. JC, a working waterman and former chairman of the Shellfish Management Advisory Committee (SMAC), advocated for the support of SMAC's draft plan, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices in the oyster fishery.

The meeting highlighted a key adjustment to the oyster season start date in the James River, moving from October 1 to October 15. This change was made in response to market conditions and the impact of crab potting, reflecting a commitment to conservation and the health of the fishery.

JC proposed a selective approach to harvesting, recommending that only Burton's Point be opened for hand scraping this year, while the other two areas—Cape Town and Bland Point—be placed in a three-year rotation. This strategy aims to allow for assessment and replenishment of the oyster populations in these areas, which are considered to be in good condition.

The economic implications of the proposed changes were also discussed, with JC noting the significant difference in value between seed oysters and marketable oysters—$8 per bushel for seed versus approximately $400 for market oysters. This disparity underscores the importance of focusing on marketable harvests for the benefit of local watermen and the state’s economy.

Commissioners expressed concerns regarding the size of the proposed areas for rotation, suggesting that the areas might be too small to yield meaningful data if only one area is harvested at a time. The meeting concluded with a consensus to revisit the proposal in January, allowing for further assessment and public input before finalizing the plan.