Governor McAuliffe Announces Creation of Virginia Oyster Trail

Chargrilled oysters (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 ~ Proclaims November as Virginia Oyster Month, Recognizes Virginia as “Oyster Capital of the East Coast” ~

Virginia Is Leading East Coast Seafood Producer, Third Largest in the Nation

RICHMOND– Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced the creation of the Virginia Oyster Trail, a major tourism development project connecting travelers to Virginia oyster purveyors, raw bars and restaurants, and the watermen culture throughout Coastal Virginia, the Northern Neck, Middle Peninsula and Virginia’s Eastern Shore.

“Virginia produces the best oysters in the world and as the oyster industry continues to grow, we want to let it be known that Virginia is also the Oyster Capital of the East Coast,” said Governor McAuliffe.  “In addition to growing, harvesting and selling the best oysters, our watermen are providing good jobs in their communities, generating revenue and tax dollars throughout their region, and helping improve the environment of the Chesapeake Bay as their oysters filter millions of gallons of water each day.”

“As my team and I work to build a new Virginia economy, I want to make sure that our tourism and agricultural industries, including our outstanding and diverse marine products sector, can and will play a significant role in that effort.”

This year, a public-private partnership of stakeholders began working together to brand the Virginia oyster travel experience to show the world that Virginia is for Oyster Lovers.  The trail offers visitors a way to enjoy Virginia’s seven different oyster regions, as well as experience the unique culture of watermen in the Chesapeake Bay.   As a result of these exciting developments with the Virginia oyster, Governor McAuliffe officially declared November as Virginia Oyster Month and named Virginia the “Oyster Capital of the East Coast.”

“The Virginia oyster pairs perfectly with another widely recognized Virginia product – wine – and some of Virginia’s oyster regions share watersheds with a number of Virginia’s outstanding wineries,” said First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe. “I believe this goes a long way to proving the old saying of “what grows together, goes together.”  Indeed, we have two world-class products – oysters and wine – right here in Virginia and I know that the Virginia Oyster Trail will provide new economic opportunities for both those sectors and many other businesses as we work to create a new Virginia economy.”

Virginia’s oyster harvest increased by 25 percent from 2012 to 2013, with more than 500,000 bushels – the most in nearly a generation.  Over the past 12 years, the oyster harvest in Virginia has increased from approximately 23,000 bushels in 2001 to last year’s level of just over 500,000.  This is the highest level since 1987.  The dockside value alone of the oyster harvest in 2013 was more than $22 million, up from approximately $16 million in 2012.

“In addition to being the nation’s third largest producer of marine products, Virginia is the leading East Coast seafood production state and the oyster industry plays a significant role in those both of these high rankings,” said Todd Haymore, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, noting that the Commonwealth had more than 400 million pounds in landings last year placing it behind only Alaska and Louisiana.  “We’re proud to promote Virginia oysters here and on international trade missions, where we’ve generated new export sales to China, Hong Kong, and Canada.  As we answer the Governor’s call to build a new Virginia economy, we must take an inclusive approach by working with some of our oldest businesses, such as our seafood industries, as they continue to provide good jobs and outstanding products.  With today’s announcement of the Virginia Oyster Trail, we’re hoping to spur more growth and opportunities for our watermen, the marine product sector, and other businesses along the trail.”

Virginia’s seven different oyster regions produce the largest quantity of fresh wild-caught and farm-raised oysters in the United States and each region produces oysters with distinct flavors, offering an oyster for every palate.  The Virginia oyster industry is one of the longest-standing industries in the state, providing bountiful meals for Virginia’s first inhabitants.

“The continued growth of the oyster industry and our fisheries management programs, combined with private sector investment, positively impacts the Chesapeake Bay and Virginia’s economy, particularly with respect to tourism,” said Maurice Jones, Secretary of Commerce and Trade.“Tourism is an instant revenue generator for Virginia, accounting for over $21.2 billion in revenue and supporting 210,000 jobs in 2012.  The Virginia Oyster Trail is sure to continue this growth in tourism around the Commonwealth.”

“Virginia is in the oyster business in a major way,” said Rita McClenny, President and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation. “With seven different oyster regions, we are unlike any other state in the nation.  The development of the Virginia Oyster Trail will allow travelers to experience the state with taste by pairing the Virginia oyster with other quality products made in Virginia, including wine, craft beer, cider and spirits.”

The Virginia Tourism Corporation partnered with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, Shellfish Growers of Virginia, the Virginia Seafood Council, the Virginia Marine Products Board, and the Artisans Center of Virginia, in addition to local tourism offices and planning district committees, to make this project a reality.  For more information on the Virginia Oyster Trail, visitvirginiaoystertrail.com.  Learn more about the various tourism economic efforts of the Virginia Tourism Corporation by visiting vatc.org/PAM.

Related articles

• Governor McAuliffe Taps Richmond Chef Lee Gregory to Represent Virginia at Great American Seafood Cook-off
• Virginia Posts Largest Oyster Harvest Since 1987
• Governor McAuliffe Announces $500,000 Nature Conservancy Grant
• Governor McAuliffe Announces 160 New Jobs in Smyth County
• Governor McAuliffe Announces The V Foundation for Cancer Research
• Governor McAuliffe Announces Virginia Agricultural and Forestry Exports Reach New Record High

Governor McAuliffe Announces Virginia Oyster Harvests Continue to Climb

Chargrilled oysters (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

~Last year’s harvest increased to the highest level since 1987~

Newport News, VA. –Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that Virginia’s oyster harvest jumped another 25 percent last year, surging past 500,000 bushels, the most in nearly a generation.

“Over the past few years, Virginia has become the oyster capital of the East Coast, and that is great news for our Commonwealth’s economy,’’ said Governor McAuliffe. “The growth we’ve seen in the oyster harvest is extraordinary, but hardly a surprise. Virginia produces the best tasting oysters in the world, and every sustainably-harvested oyster helps clean the Chesapeake Bay and create good jobs in a tough economy. There is no question that Virginia is for oyster lovers.”

Over the past 12 years, the oyster harvest in Virginia has increased from 23,000 bushels in 2001 to an estimated 504,000 bushels last year. This is the highest level seen since 1987 and is 25 percent more than the 409,000 bushels harvested in 2012.

Preliminary harvest estimates show gains in both wild-caught oysters from public oyster rocks as well as from privately leased water bottoms.

Harvest from public oyster grounds grew from 150,534 bushels in 2012 to 213,152 bushels last year, and the harvest from privately leased growing areas continued six years of sustained growth, rising from 258,496 bushels in 2012 to 408,912 bushels last year.

“State investments in our oyster replenishment program are showing positive results,” said Molly Joseph Ward, Secretary of Natural Resources. “Keeping this momentum is vital to the growth of the oyster industry. Our comprehensive fisheries management programs, combined with private sector investments, are having a very positive impact for the Bay, consumers and the economy. We need to keep moving forward.”

The dockside value of the oyster harvest increased to $22.2 million last year, up from $16.2 million in 2012.

The ripple effects through the economy from last year’s harvest resulted in an estimated $58.4 million in economic value, using a multiplier of 2.63 on a dockside value of $22.2 million, a formula established by the late Dr. James Kirkley, a well-respected Virginia Institute of Marine Science seafood industry economist.

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission’s management of  the oyster stocks includes rotational oyster harvest areas and deployment of fossil oyster shells mined annually from the beneath James River on to public oyster grounds. These fossil shells become home for naturally occurring oyster larvae that attach to them during spawning and grow to form new adult oysters that will reach market size in roughly three years.

This oyster replenishment program provides substantial ecological as well as economic benefits, as the oysters filter the water during growth to a market size of three inches. Oyster reefs provide important forage and refuge habitat for invertebrates as well as juvenile crabs and finfish species.

“Oysters are doing well right now. We are making tremendous progress,’’ said VMRC Commissioner John M.R. Bull. “But oysters are still susceptible to disease and other environmental factors outside of our control. A lot of people have put a lot of work into getting Virginia into this position and it is paying dividends. It is worth celebrating, but we need to keep in mind that oysters live in a dynamic, ever-changing ecosystem.”

Virginia’s history of oyster harvests can be found here

http://mrc.virginia.gov/SMAC/VA-Oyster-Harvests.pdf

Governor McAuliffe celebrates signing of New Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement

Map of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Governor McAuliffe joined the Governors and other high officials from the Chesapeake Bay Watershed states, the District of Columbia and the federal governments in signing the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement today in Annapolis, Maryland.

The Agreement, developed over the last two years, lays out clear goals and outcomes for sustainable fisheries, vital habitats, water quality, toxic contaminants, healthy watersheds, stewardship, land conservation, public access, environmental literacy, and resiliency of the Bay ecosystem in the face of changing climatic conditions and rising sea levels.

“We have made great progress in meeting our bay restoration goals over the last 30 years” said Governor McAuliffe, “however, there is always more to do and the pace of implementation must be accelerated.  This historic agreement lays out a path for improved science and policy, greater partnerships with citizens and stakeholders and allows for the flexibility necessary to make measurable improvements to a large and complex ecosystem.”

This is the 4^th Chesapeake Bay Agreement signed since 1983, and the first to include full participation by the states of Delaware, New York and West Virginia who join the original signatories of Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, the District of Columbia, the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Chesapeake Bay Commission.

For more information about the signing of this historic Agreement visit:

http://www.chesapeakebay.net/about/ecmeeting/2014_executive_council_meeting

Our Notes:  Good luck.  We have been saying that the vast majority of the problems are not from the state of Virginia for years.  But we keep getting stuck with the majority of the problems and costs.  The below linked stories confirm what we have already been saying.

Related articles

• Study faults Pennsylvania on Chesapeake cleanup
• Study: States short on some Chesapeake Bay goals
• Progress on bay still not enough
• Challenge to Chesapeake cleanup tests EPA power
• Governor McAuliffe Welcomes Air China Inaugural Nonstop Flight at Washington Dulles Airport
• Governor McAuliffe's Changes to Restoration of Rights Policy Receives Resounding Support

Governor McDonnell Announces Clean Water Budget Investments

The Chesapeake Bay – Landsat photo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Continues Efforts to Improve Health of the Chesapeake Bay

Total investment in Water Quality During McDonnell Administration Exceeds $460 million

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that his upcoming biennial budget will include major funding aimed at continuing the administration’s efforts to improve water quality in Virginia’s rivers and the Chesapeake Bay.  The budget proposals includes investments and allocations for projects such as Chesapeake Bay restoration, pollution reduction efforts, storm water grants, oyster replenishment programs, funding for the Tangier Seawall and other water quality projects.  With this budget the McDonnell Administration has now invested more than $460 million in water quality projects over the course of the last four years.

  Speaking about the budget proposals, Governor McDonnell said, “As the Chesapeake Bay restoration program celebrates its 30^thanniversary, improving the health of the Bay has been one of our most important environmental priorities. The Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure and an ecological wonder.  Over the past 30 years, the Chesapeake Bay Partnership has made immense progress in reducing nutrient pollution flows into the Chesapeake Bay.  As Virginians, we are committed to ensuring a clean and vibrant Chesapeake Bay for future generations to cherish.”

            Governor McDonnell continued, “Virginia’s magnificent waterways from the Cheseapeake Bay to the streams running through the Blue Ridge Mountains deserve preservation and protection. With this budget we are continuing our sustained commitment to improving water quality across the Commonwealth, and ensuring that the Chesapeake Bay remains a vibrant, healthy and beautiful Virginia treasure for generations to come.”

The introduced budget allocates over $31 million from the FY2013 budget surplus, generated by sound fiscal management and savings by state agencies and employees, to the Water Quality Improvement Fund (WQIF) to continue these essential programs:

·         $19.78 million will be used to continue pollution reductions activities in agricultural programs through the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR);

·         $800,000 will be used to support the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program;

·         $250,000 will be slated for implementation of forestry best management practices;

·         $100,000 will be used to implement best management practices on golf courses;

·         $6.59 million will be used to support nonpoint activities in the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), including stormwater projects, such as municipal separate stormwater sewer systems (MS4) and grants to local governments; and

·         $3.95 million will be deposited within the WQIF reserve fund.  

            In addition, the budget provides funds to the Department of Conservation and Recreation to support the development of Agricultural Resource Management Plans and to provide engineering support to Soil and Water Conservation Districts, as well as continuing $6.9 million annually to the districts for operational support funding.

            The budget also authorizes an additional $20.0 million of bonds through the Virginia Public Building Authority in FY 2016 to support the Local Stormwater Assistance Program created by the Administration last year.  These funds are intended to supplement the $35.0 million of bond funding authorized for the program by the 2013 General Assembly.

Additionally, the budget:

·         Continues $2.0 million of general fund support for oyster replenishment in both FY 2015 and FY 2016,

·         Provides funding for the Commonwealth’s estimated share of the Tangier Seawall project’s costs based on the most recent estimates provided by the Army Corp of Engineers.  The proposed budget provides $23,000 in FY 2015 and $6,000 in FY 2016.

·         Authorizes $1.0 million of bonds through the Virginia Public Building Authority in FY 2014 to assist the City of Alexandria with improvements to its Combined Sewer Overflow system.  

During the McDonnell Administration, over $440 million was invested in clean water efforts including;

·         More than $218 million deposited to the Water Quality Improvement Fund

·         $101 million water quality bond fund to improve wastewater treatment plants across the state

·         $35 million bond fund to establish the new stormwater local assistance fund

·         $75 million bond fund for improvement to the combined sewer overflow systems in Richmond and Lynchburg

·         $10 million to Hopewell and Appomattox for improvements to their waste water and drinking water systems

·         With the money included in this budget, $5 million will be invested in oyster restoration efforts.

Water Quality Accomplishments During McDonnell Administration

·         Virginia has reduced nitrogen pollution by 7.67 million pounds or 11.1%, phosphorus pollution by 0.68 million pounds or  7.7%, and sediment pollution by 262.0 million pounds or 6.9%

·         Phase I and II of Virginia’s Watershed Implementation Plan was developed and approved by the EPA.

·         The Governor signed legislation eliminating phosphorus from usable fertilizer beginning December 31, 2013.

·         The Governor signed legislation requiring golf courses to implement nutrient management plans by 2017.

·         The Governor signed legislation requiring VDACS to establish reporting requirements for contractor-applicators who apply fertilizer to more than 100 acres annually.

·         The Governor signed legislation allowing farmers who develop agriculture resource management plans to be deemed as being in full compliance with any load allocation contained in a TMDL.

·         Virginia received the EPA’s “Biggest Loser” Award in 2011 for reducing more non point source nitrogen than any other state in Region 3 and second in the nation. 

·         Virginia is exceeding its commitments under the Chesapeake Bay Program to reduce nutrients in the bay from wastewater treatment plants.  Major wastewater facilities in 2011 exceeded pollution reduction goals by more than 2,000% for nitrogen (7 million lbs/yr) and more than 450% for phosphorus (567,000 lbs/yr).  

·         Virginia expects to exceed our 2013 Bay milestones and is well on the way to meeting its commitments.

·         Virginia restored 1,653 acres of wetlands in 2011, more than double that of any other jurisdiction.

·         Virginia established a new fund to support stream exclusion efforts resulting in protecting over 75,000 linear feet or 14.2 miles of stream bank with livestock exclusion fence.  Over $18.6 million in state funds was dedicated to livestock exclusion.

·         Oyster harvest in 2012-2013 was 60% greater than in the previous harvest years increasing dock value to more than $16.2 million. The ripple effects through the economy from last year’s unexpectedly large oyster harvest resulted in an estimated $42.6 million in economic value.

·         The blue crab population reached its highest level in 20 years in 2012, and overfishing is no longer occurring.   The total population of blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay reached 764 million. This was a 66 percent increase above the 2011 abundance level and was the highest level recorded since 1993.

·         The bald eagle breeding population within the Virginia portion of the Bay now numbers over 800 pairs, a dramatic recovery for the estimated low of 20 pairs.  The Chesapeake Bay now supports the highest bald eagle chick growth rates and brood size of any population throughout the range.

·         The osprey breeding population within the Chesapeake Bay has recovered from 1,400 pairs in the early 1970s to more than 8,000 pairs today, with the Bay now supporting the largest breeding population of osprey in the world

·         The summer flounder stocks quadrupled under a stock rebuilding plan.  Recreational size limits were reduced, allowing anglers to keep more of the fish they catch.

·         Virginia improved and expanded the use of nutrient credits in Virginia.  Building on our existing nutrient credit trading program and will be a key tool in meeting and maintaining water quality in the Chesapeake Bay as well as offering flexibility in meeting nutrient reduction requirements statewide.

·         Virginia has around 780,000 acres under nutrient management inside the Bay and 950,000 statewide.

Related articles

• Virginia Posts Largest Oyster Harvest Since 1987
• Governor McDonnell's Biennial Budget to Continue Commitment to Improving Virginia's Prisoner Re-Entry and Restoration of Rights Processes
• Governor McDonnell Announces Awarding of $200,000 for the Building Collaborative Communities Program
• Governor McDonnell Announces More than $2 Million in Industrial Revitalization Fund Grants
• Governor McDonnell Continues Commitment to K-12 Education Reform in FY 2015/2016 Budget
• Governor McDonnell's Biennial Budget to Continue Commitment to Making College More Affordable and Accessible for Virginia Students

Suntex Ventures Acquires York River Yacht Haven in Gloucester, Virginia

Suntex Ventures with its subsidiary Suntex Marinas, the Dallas-based owner and operator of marina properties, is pleased to announce the acquisition of York River Yacht Haven in Gloucester, VA. York River Yacht Haven is a full-service destination marina located near the mouth of the York River on the lower Chesapeake Bay, only miles from the ICW in Sarah’s Creek.

 The 14-acre site is in a natural “hurricane hole”, storm protected from every quadrant, making it a very sought-after home for some of the finest yachts in the Chesapeake Bay. The marina includes 325 covered and open slips, boatyard, restaurant, ship’s store, pool, and a marine and boat repair facility.

“Suntex is thrilled to add York River Yacht Haven to its network of marinas along the Eastern seaboard,” Chris Petty, Suntex Marinas President, said. “With the change in ownership, York River Yacht Haven will soon see more amenities, better services, and a new restaurant tenant to better serve our customers and make the boating experience the best it can be.” The restaurant will be under lease to the owners of Riverwalk Restaurant and will be reopening soon.
Mr. Martin Lucas has been chosen to lead the property as General Manager. Martin has decades of yachting and marina management experience and has most recently served as the Director of Customer service for an internationally acclaimed marina company. Martin will be supported by the talented York River Yacht Haven team that has worked diligently to serve their customers’ needs.
Suntex Partners have owned and operated 31 marina properties and are very excited about adding York River Yacht Haven Marina to our current portfolio of 17 marinas in Texas, Georgia, Florida, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Iowa and St. Maarten. The Suntex vision is to be the pre-eminent resort marina company in the world and is actively seeking premier marinas around the world for acquisition.

About Suntex Ventures:

Suntex Ventures is a Dallas-based real estate investment fund with focus in mixed-use waterfront properties including marinas and other select assets. Through its subsidiary, Suntex Marinas, the firm provides marina and property management services throughout its portfolio. Based upon proprietary underwriting, experience, and historical success, they are focusing on high-end resort destinations.

http://www.allatsea.net/suntex-ventures-acquires-york-river-yacht-haven-gloucester-virginia/  Link back to original article on All At Sea website.

In case you missed it, Gloucester's Yacht Haven filed bankruptcy months ago.  It was announced in the local papers only in the legal announcement section.  No news story was done about this.  The is some good news for the area however.  Welcome Suntrex to Gloucester, Virginia.

Related articles

• York Marina: Boat Hire
• Prisoner's of Hope - Gloucester, Virginia History
• Gloucester, VA Speaking for.....
• Gloucester, VA Surplus Auction Site Information
• Masonic Order In Gloucester, Virginia, Looking Inside The Order
• Liberty's Kids 28, Not Yet Begun To Fight, Battle of the Hook Pre Show

Governor Bob McDonnell Announces New $31 Million Investment in Clean Water

English: The state seal of Virginia. Српски / Srpski: Застава америчке савезне државе Вирџиније. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Deposit to Water Quality Improvement Fund Result of Fourth Straight Surplus During McDonnell Administration

Total investment in Water Quality During Administration Exceeds $430 million

RICHMOND – Just prior to embarking on the first day of his “This Commonwealth of Opportunity” statewide tour, Governor Bob McDonnell announced this morning that a new deposit of over $31 million will be made to the Commonwealth’s Water Quality Improvement Fund (WQIF) as a portion of the most recent budget surplus, the fourth in the four years of the McDonnell administration.  The total amount that will be deposited to the WQIF during the Governor’s term is more than $218 million, with a cumulative investment in all water quality programs now reaching $430 million over the last three and a half years. The governor will announce Virginia’s total surplus amount and discuss the uses of the funds at his annual fiscal presentation to the Virginia General Assembly money committees on August 19^th.

            Speaking about the new funding for clean water, Governor Bob McDonnell stated, “Over the course of our administration, we have made a strong commitment to improving the health of Virginia’s waterways and the Chesapeake Bay.  Together with the General Assembly, we have invested hundreds of millions of dollars to this end and the citizens of Virginia are enjoying cleaner water as a result. Clean water and environmental conservation are crucial to a strong economy and robust private-sector job creation.”

            In addition to the deposit to the WQIF, the 2013 General Assembly supported the Governor’s $221 million water quality bond fund to improve wastewater treatment plants across the state, combined sewer overflows, a drinking water facility, and to fund a new urban stormwater investment program.  These monies are currently available for critically needed infrastructure improvements.

            “We commend and thank Governor McDonnell and the members of the General Assembly for their leadership and continued stewardship of our critical water resources.  The bond funding represents a huge victory for the James River and will help improve long-term water quality as well as the health of local streams and creeks,” said Bill Street, Chief Executive Officer of the James River Association. “The additional funds announced today will help even more.”

            The water quality bond fund includes $101 million to support projects in roughly 30 localities across the state for upgrades to wastewater treatment, and $35 million for a new stormwater grant program for localities.

            “Due to strategic investments and smart state policies, Virginia is shining brightly in the Chesapeake Bay cleanup,” according to Chris Pomeroy, who represents the Virginia Association of Municipal Wastewater Agencies and the Virginia Municipal Stormwater Association.  “Our local agency members will build on the significant achievements they have already made to clean wastewater to higher levels and remove more stormwater pollutants as a result of the Commonwealth investing $101 million in treatment plant upgrades this year and launching the Stormwater Local Assistance Fund with $35 million.”

            As part of the bond fund, the City of Richmond will receive $45 million and Lynchburg will receive $30 million for improvements to their Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) facilities.  The Hopewell Wastewater Treatment Authority will receive $5 million for upgrades to its waste water treatment plant and the Appomattox River Water Authority will receive $5 million for upgrades.

            “We are grateful to the Governor and the General Assembly for this investment in improvements for our combined sewer overflow,” Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones stated.  “This funding will help us complete the next phase of work and to continue to do our part to improve the health of the James River.”

            The Mayor of Lynchburg, Michael Gillette said, “The City of Lynchburg is extremely pleased to accept the $30 million grant from the Commonwealth and appreciates the support of the Governor and General Assembly.  It will fund up to half of the City’s revised Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) program.  This along with the City's contribution will greatly accelerate the completion of this important program ultimately leading to the achievement of water quality goals.”

            Deposits to the WQIF, the clean water bond, general fund appropriations, and deposits from the recordation tax will all add up to over $430 million in state support for clean water programs during the McDonnell administration.

            In addition to these significant monetary investments, there have been some major accomplishments in improving the overall health of the Bay during Governor McDonnell’s tenure. 

·         Approval of Virginia’s Phase I and II Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

·         Legislation passed removing phosphorus from usable fertilizer beginning December 31, 2013.

·         Exceeding the 2011 EPA Pollution reduction milestone goals for wastewater treatment plants by 2,000 percent which exceeds 2013 nitrogen reduction goals by more than 680,000 pounds.

·         Receiving the EPA’s “Biggest Loser Award” for reducing non-point source nitrogen pollution more than any other state in Region 3.

·         The highest blue crab population that Virginia has experienced in twenty years in 2012, along with a historic comeback of the oyster population, with the highest harvest numbers seen since 1989.

·         Legislation expanding the nutrient credit exchange program, a key tool in meeting and maintaining water quality in the Bay.

            “Virginia has been a leader in pollution reduction activities,” said Anthony Moore, Deputy Secretary of Natural Resources.  “We have won awards from EPA and are consistently exceeding pollution reduction goals set out in the Watershed Implementation Plan.”