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Committee divided over James River opening: October 1 or October 15 for hand‑scrape season
Summary
SMAC members and harvesters debated whether the James River hand‑scrape season should open Oct. 1 or Oct. 15. Some harvesters favored an Oct. 1 start to spread shaft‑hog pressure and preserve late‑season oysters; others cited concerns about concentrating effort if the James is the only major scrape area open early in October.
Committee members debated the season start date for the James River hand‑scrape (market) season, with views split between an October 1 opening and the October 15 date used in the previous season.
Proponents of an Oct. 1 opening said earlier access would shift some shaft‑hog pressure earlier in the fall and could reduce late‑season crowding, potentially preserving oysters for the May shaft‑hog season. Opponents expressed concern that if the James were the primary hand‑scrape area open in early October it could draw an unusually high number of boats and concentrate effort, increasing conflict and harvest pressure; that was staff’s rationale for recommending Oct. 15 last year.
Staff said VMRC is willing to place the start date on the official agenda for a recorded committee vote at the next meeting and will circulate a draft motion so members can decide whether to recommend Oct. 1 or Oct. 15. No formal vote was taken at the July 23 meeting.
Ending: staff will present formal language and, if directed by the committee at the next meeting, SMAC may vote to recommend a James River start date to the commission.
