Virginia Coastal Program: 2002 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary
Project Task:
FY2002 Task 94
Grantee:
Virginia Institute of Marine Science - Center for Coastal Resource Management
Project Title:
Aquaculture Management
Project Description as Proposed:
This project builds on previous work funded by the Virginia Coastal Resource Management Program. In the first phase of the work, use suitability models were developed and then used to identify suitable aquaculture sites throughout Virginia's shallow estuarine waters. In this second phase, management issues associated with each identified site will be detailed, existing regulatory authorities will be evaluated, and the capacity to address site specific issues will be assessed. Based on this analysis, alternative management strategies and tools will be developed. The alternatives will be reviewed with VMRC and the Aquaculture Management Advisory Committee, and recommendations will be developed for the General Assembly.
Federal Funding:
$76,500
Project Contact:
Carl Hershner, 804.684.7387
Project Status:
Grant Closed
Final Product Received:
Project Summary Provided by Grantee:
This report represents the outputs of the third year of the project with a final goal to develop policy and management recommendations to enhance sustainable aquaculture practices in Virginia. Promotion of the aquaculture industry requires two things: identification of suitable locations for production, and implementation of appropriate management strategies to ensure sustainability. Based on literature review and extant scientific knowledge, environmental suitability criteria for hard clam and oyster aquaculture sites were identified. This information was used to develop GIS use-suitability models to locate optimal and suitable aquaculture sites. Each potential site was assessed to identify potential use conflict and management issues. Generally, conflicts and issues include: presence of submerged aquatic vegetation; other recreational and commercial uses of the water column; incompatible adjacent land uses; and existing water quality impairments. The frequency of occurrence and co-occurrence of various conflicts and issues were assessed based on the GIS use-conflict analysis. In addition, management issues were identified and characterized through meetings and discussions with the AMAC and stakeholders, prepared together with VIMS and VMRC staff. This report provides a review of existing regulatory authorities for aquaculture management, and recommendation for alternative management strategies and tools. Management strategies appropriate for the various conflicts and issues were listed and evaluated for relative effectiveness. Strategies range from relatively simple application of existing authorities, to development of new regulatory programs. Policy development for promotion of aquaculture can now proceed with guidance on both potential need and relative efficacy of alternative approaches.
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Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Laura McKay, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4323 or email: Laura.McKay@deq.virginia.gov
A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov
