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SMAC weighs a more conservative 2026–27 oyster season amid lower replenishment capacity
Summary
VMRC staff proposed a condensed 4.5-month season and a mix of hand-tong and patent-tong rotations to spread effort; members debated area-specific changes (Area 1 closure vs. delay, Area 6 timing, James River openings) and urged targeted surveys before finalizing seasons.
Andrew presented a draft season configuration intended to spread fleet effort across multiple areas and gear types rather than concentrating boats in a single good rock. He explained the rationale: "one of the things that this committee has discussed and I think there's pretty broad consensus on is... splitting areas up, so that there's multiple areas open at multiple times to kind of split up the fleet," and suggested condensing the season to roughly 4.5 months given reduced replenishment capacity.
Committee members debated particular area decisions. Some members recommended delaying or closing Area 1 if survey data indicate decline; others worried that removing openings would push boats into James River and increase pressure there. Proposals included delaying Area 6 until November rather than an October opening and keeping White Shoal open to support hand-tong boats. Staff said fall survey results (completed by December 1) would inform firm decisions and recommended returning with a SMAC draft for August review.
