Shellfish Aquaculture
in Virginia
The purpose of this website is to provide information about how to start a shellfish aquaculture operation in Virginia.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
UPDATED: MARCH, 2021
RESOURCES
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
This section identifies which state agencies have the authority to regulate aquaculture-related activities in Virginia.
VMRC REQUIREMENTS
This section summarizes a variety of Virginia Marine Resources Commission requirements, licenses, permits, and fees associated with aquaculture.
VDH DSS REQUIREMENTS
This section outlines the Virginia Department of Health's Division of Shellfish Safety's role with respect to aquaculture.
STARTING A BUSINESS
This section covers the
administrative and financial aspects of planning for and starting an
aquaculture business.
FINDING A LOCATION
This section provides information about the options for obtaining shellfish planting grounds, as well as details regarding marking of leased areas and areas to avoid.
GEAR AND OPERATIONS
This section describes the most common types of gear associated with an aquaculture operation, including how gear choice may affect what licenses and permits are required.
EDUCATION AND TRADE ASSOCIATIONS
This section includes details on where to find additional information, such as aquaculture related conferences and trade associations.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONSIDERATIONS
This section focuses on considerations at the local government level that may be applicable, such as local zoning designations.
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757-221-7444
This website, Task # 91, was funded by the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program led by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality through Grant #NA17NOS4190152 of the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Commerce, NOAA, or any of its subagencies.
