Oyster Management Committee Considers Season Changes for James River and Tangier Sound

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission convened the Shellfish Management Advisory Committee (SMAC) on July 23, 2025, to discuss various topics related to oyster management in the state's waters, particularly focusing on the James River and surrounding areas.

The meeting began with a review of the current status of oyster populations in the James River, which continues to be a leading area for oyster recruitment, with several thousand acres of surveyed oyster rock. The committee noted that replenishment efforts this year were concentrated on specific areas, including Gill Island and Mansman Ridge, following an emergency closure that had limited access to these regions. The discussion highlighted the self-regulating nature of the oyster population based on market conditions and previous replenishment efforts.

A key point of contention arose regarding the opening date for the oyster harvesting season. While some committee members advocated for an October 1 start date to alleviate pressure on oysters during the warmer months, others expressed concerns about the potential for increased boat traffic and harvesting pressure if the season opened earlier. The committee ultimately decided to defer a formal vote on the opening date until the next meeting, allowing for further discussion and input from stakeholders.

The meeting also addressed the management of the Pocomoke and Tangier Sound areas. The work group recommended maintaining the current two-year rotation for these regions, with the Pocomoke area suggested to remain open for no more than three months due to its shallower waters and lower oyster growth rates compared to Tangier Sound. The committee acknowledged the need for careful management in these areas to ensure sustainability.

Additionally, the committee discussed the potential for expanding the areas available for patent tonging, particularly along the western shore from New Point Comfort to the mouth of the Great Wicomico. This proposal aims to facilitate exploratory harvesting and improve the distribution of effort among different gear types, which has been beneficial in managing oyster populations.

In conclusion, the SMAC meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to balance oyster harvesting with sustainability practices. The committee plans to revisit the opening date for the oyster season and further explore management strategies for the Pocomoke and Tangier Sound areas in future meetings. Stakeholders are encouraged to provide input as the committee continues to refine its recommendations.