Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam today announced the completion of major oyster restoration projects on Virginia’s Piankatank and Great Wicomico rivers, totaling more than 150 acres of oyster habitat combined. These Chesapeake Bay tributaries, along with the Lafayette River and Eastern Branch of the Elizabeth River, now make up the four Virginia tributaries that have successfully met oyster habitat restoration goals in recent years.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation Virginia Executive Director Peggy Sanner issued the following statement.
“Oysters are a keystone species in the Bay. Restoring oysters in Virginia’s rivers is an investment in clean water and healthy fisheries that will benefit our children and future generations. This dramatic progress is an important example of what can be achieved with successful partnerships among local, state, and federal agencies and other stakeholders.
“We are grateful for the leadership of Governor Northam and for the General Assembly’s long standing bipartisan commitment to the Chesapeake Bay, which have made the success of oyster restoration on these rivers possible.”
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