Rebecca Herrington

The meeting commenced with introductions, followed by the approval of the agenda. The primary discussion focused on the 2026 Oyster Restoration and Replenishment Plan (ORP). Specific areas recommended for shell replenishment included Great Wicomico, Pocomoke, Rappahannock River, Mobjack Bay, and Seaside Eastern Shore. Seed replenishment was detailed for Coan. The committee discussed the potential use of stone as an alternative substrate if shell becomes unavailable, particularly in Mobjack Bay. The committee accepted the 2026 Replenishment plan. In other business, there was concern regarding oyster buyers purchasing oysters exceeding harvester limits, and a motion was passed to request an Emergency Hearing at the February Commission Meeting to consider extensions to the public oyster season on the Eastern Shore.

This document presents the 2026 Oyster Replenishment and Restoration Plan (ORP) and outlines its associated procurement procedures. The plan's primary objective is to maintain and expand Virginia's oyster resources, which are vital ecologically, economically, and culturally. Strategic initiatives include seed transfer from the James River, extensive shell planting in the Bay and Tributaries and Eastern Shore, and the implementation of alternative cultch projects. The plan also details the procurement processes, ensuring continued public investment in replenishment efforts to create new oyster reefs, improve water quality, and enhance fish habitat.

The agenda for the meeting included standard procedural items such as agenda approval and review of previous minutes. Key discussion items involved permit reviews for projects exceeding $1,000,000 without objection, including construction of a boathouse in York County, a pedestrian footbridge in Botetourt County, a gazebo in Mathews County, and a shellfish lease application. Additionally, the agenda listed a closed meeting for consultation with counsel, public comments, and a specific discussion regarding the Waterway Maintenance Fund Guidance Document. Later sections detail discussions and actions taken on several permit applications, including the approval of projects for Bron Properties, LLC, Ann Eubank, Upper Brandon Tidal Mitigation Bank, LLC, Huntington Ingalls-Newport News Shipbuilding, City of Norfolk, City of Virginia Beach, and Virginia Electric and Power Company. There was also action taken on a protest hearing regarding a pier and boathouse request by Corey Schultz, a public comment requesting reinstatement of an Oyster User Fee All Gear license, and a public hearing to amend regulations pertaining to shrimp trawl licenses.

The meeting of the Marine Resources Commission included discussions and decisions on various permit requests. These included a request from Bron Properties, which was separated from the block of other cases due to an omission of return walls in the proposed bulkheads. Other requests included installing rip rap revetment, mechanically dredging wetlands, platform extension to Pier 3, placing sand nourishment along shoreline, annually maintenance dredge, and installing storm water management.

The committee meeting included discussions on turtle excluders, recreational crabbing, and potential impacts on the commercial sector. There was also a discussion on revisiting the dark sponge law dates and its effectiveness, along with concerns about enforcement and clarity in regulations.