Virginia Shellfish Aquaculture Situation and Outlook Report: Results of 2011 Virginia Shellfish Aquaculture Crop Reporting Survey.

摘要

The shellfish aquaculture industry in Virginia continues to grow, adding significant value to the States seafood marketplace. Today, watermen harvest both hard clams and oysters from the States public resources, albeit at rates diminished from historic levels. At the same time, Virginias watermen-farmers are providing additional quantities of quality shellfish to consumers. In recent years, following the lead of the hard clam industry, a significant transition to intensive aquaculture of native oysters is underway. The once-extensive oyster planting utilizing wild seed has contracted primarily as a result of endemic oyster diseases and increasing wildlife predation of seed oysters. In its place is an emerging aquaculture sector based on improved culture techniques and disease-resistant oyster seed. While these trends are widely acknowledged, until this annual survey was initiated in 2006 there had been no consistent reporting of production and economic trends in Virginias shellfish aquaculture industry. Periodic assessments are necessary to inform growers and related interests about the actual status and trends in the industry. The intent of this survey is to continue annual assessments in order to gauge growth and inputs in Virginias shellfish aquaculture industry. This report is based upon an industry survey completed during the first quarter of 2012.