Pollution, Algal Blooms Devastate Virginia’s Eastern Shore Oyster Growers, Threaten Public Health

This month’s devastating algal bloom that spread along Virginia’s Eastern Shore is sending shockwaves through the Commonwealth’s economy, with hard-hit oyster farmers reporting severe losses and residents reporting fish kills in at least seven area creeks.

The fallout came after a massive algal bloom spread along the southern tip of Virginia’s Eastern Shore, prompting a warning from the Virginia Department of Health against contact with the reddish-brown tinted water, as the algae may cause skin irritation.

VDH had also said the bloom may indirectly cause fish kills. When algae in the blooms die and break down, they create oxygen-depleted dead zones in the water where aquatic life cannot survive. The bloom coincided with widespread reports of dead fish and oysters along the Eastern Shore this month.

Alex Lambert, who runs Lambert Shellfish in Machipongo, estimated that close to $400,000 worth of oysters were wiped out as a result, devastating his business.

“It’s an insane amount of money that doesn’t even feel real—but it is,” Lambert said. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Affected businesses like Lambert’s need relief now. State and federal officials should take steps to provide emergency support and financial resources to give immediate relief to those suffering financial losses from the kills.

U.S. Reps. Jen Kiggans (R-VA) and Rob Wittman (R-VA) sent a letter this month to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins urging the U.S. Agriculture Department to explore possibilities for emergency relief for affected growers.

Officials could also take steps toward bolstering early warning systems; growers have reported that had they received advance warning of the algal bloom spread, they could have taken steps to avert the worst.

“There were signs,” Lambert said. “While it wouldn’t have stopped it from happening, a 24-hour heads up and communicating the severity of the situation would have given us a fighting chance to save our investment from this year, at least.”

Public officials hosted a meeting last week where they heard about effects on oyster growers and associated economic harms.

Algal blooms occur when nitrogen and phosphorus pollution help fuel explosive algae growth—especially during the hottest months. Some species of algae produce toxins, threatening the health of people, pets, fish, and shellfish.

There is scientific consensus that algal blooms are getting worse, affecting lakes, rivers, and coastal waters throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Climate change exacerbates the problem with more heat waves, as well as more intense storms that wash polluted runoff into waterways.

Chesapeake Bay Foundation Virginia Policy Manager Jay Ford issued the following statement:

“Excess pollution isn’t only a threat to the environment—it’s crushing key pillars of Virginia’s economy in the Eastern Shore.

“We are hearing from oyster growers and farmers in Virginia who are facing substantial losses and need relief now in the wake of this month’s algal bloom and fish kills. Reps. Kiggans and Wittman are right to urge the U.S. Agriculture Department to look into emergency assistance options.

“The climate crisis is here. Drought, pollution, and flooding are just a few of the downstream effects Virginians are feeling. Public officials must act to provide immediate relief now and follow up by making the necessary investments to reduce pollution to Virginia’s waterways and the Chesapeake Bay.”