Virginia Marine Resources Commission

This document outlines the modified 2026 Oyster Replenishment and Restoration Plan (ORP) following the unexpected unavailability of a specialized dredging vessel. The plan details strategies for continuing oyster restoration efforts, focusing on optimizing seed transfers, traditional shell planting in the Bay, its tributaries, and the Eastern Shore, and expanding the use of alternative cultch projects. It specifies funding allocations from federal and non-federal sources and aims to prioritize areas of greatest need to sustain oyster populations and harvest levels despite material acquisition challenges.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda, which included a modification to postpone agenda item 18 until the March meeting. The Commission proceeded with the approval of the December 2nd, 2025 meeting minutes. Following staff introductions, including new personnel in compliance and shellfish management, the Commission addressed permit projects over $500,000 without objection. These items involved authorization requests for beach renourishment by the Department of Navy, expansion of breakwaters at Ragged Island Wildlife Management Area by the Department of Wildlife Resources, construction of a commercial floating dock for Fair Winds Landing, and maintenance dredging for Dominion Terminal Associates. Additionally, authorization was sought for timber groin extension by Nancy Longest and bridge repairs by North Southern Railway Company. Public comment featured a detailed presentation from Mr. Nathan Everett requesting an extension to the over 28-inch rockfish retention season due to weather-related delays in market access and tag availability, arguing for two extra weeks to utilize the current quota. Commission members and staff discussed the existing overfished status of striped bass, the implications of the March 15th spawning protection date, and the context of inter-state management discussions.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the October 28, 2025, meeting. Staff and Virginia Institute of Marine Science personnel were sworn in to present testimony. Several large permit requests were reviewed; specifically, Item 2A, regarding timber bulkheading for BRON PROPERTIES, LLC, was separated for individual consideration and approved based on modified drawings. Other permits, 2B through 2G, related to riprap installation, tidal wetland mitigation dredging, platform extension, shoreline nourishment, channel maintenance dredging, and stormwater outfall pipe installation, were collectively approved. An item regarding a protested private non-riparian pier for Corey Schultz was approved by a 6-0-1 vote, with one abstention. During Public Comments, a motion was passed to reinstate an Oyster User Fee All Gear license contingent upon payment of the previous year's fee. A public hearing was held regarding proposed regulatory changes to expand the number of limited entry shrimp trawl licenses from 19 to 26, which the Commission adopted in a 6-1 vote.

The agenda for the meeting included approval of the agenda itself and minutes from previous meetings. Key discussion items were centered on permit applications for projects exceeding $1,000,000, including construction of pedestrian footbridges, dredging for wetland creation, and construction of private pier structures like gazebos and boathouses, several of which faced protests. Discussions also covered the Waterways Maintenance Fund, a specific emergency dredging application, a recommendation from the Commercial Fishing Advisory Board regarding funding for a Commercial Fisheries Coordinator position at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), oyster planting ground leases, and approval of the 2026 Oyster Replenishment and Restoration Plan. The commission also planned to adopt emergency amendments to oyster harvest restrictions and receive an update on the speckled trout cold stun event.

The meeting involved the approval of the agenda and included discussions and recommendations regarding the 2025-2026 Public Oyster Harvest Season. Key recommendations were made for Patent Tong Areas, including concurrent seasons for the new Chesapeake Bay Patent Tong area and Deep Rock. The committee discussed opening Wreck Shoals in the James River for HT harvest in May 2026 and addressed harvest seasons for White Shoal. Specific rotation and season settings were determined for Rappahannock Areas 7 and 8, Great Wicomico Areas 1 and 2, and the opening/closure of Blackberry Hangs, Coan River, and Yeocomico. Recommendations for Pocomoke/Tangier Sound included a 3-month regular season for Pocomoke Area 1 and Tangier Area 1. There were no changes recommended for James River management. Public comment addressed raising the vessel limit for HT harvest, which the committee moved to revisit in a subsequent meeting. Other business included a discussion about the Oyster User Fee All Gear transferability and the presentation of mechanically assisted Hand Tongs use to the Commission.