The market for farmed shellfish in Virginia has grown dramatically in the past five years, according to the latest industry report from William & Mary’s Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences and Virginia Institute of Marine Science.
Survey responses from oyster and clam farmers show collective annual sales rising by tens of millions of dollars and a thriving labor force with hundreds of jobs created in the commonwealth.
The Virginia Aquaculture Situation and Outlook report, produced by the Marine Advisory Program, has been providing a yearly snapshot of the industry since 2004. It was paused temporarily in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The team behind the report, led by Shellfish Aquaculture Specialist Karen Hudson, said she was relieved to see upward trends after five years without the survey.
“The industry has been resilient,” said Hudson. “It’s still going strong and that’s a positive.”
Oyster aquaculture drives increase in sales
Direct farm sales for shellfish aqu...