GLOUCESTER, Va. — State officials came together to celebrate the completion of the York River Oyster Restoration Goals.
In 2014, the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement outlined a plan to restore the native oyster habitat and populations in 10 Chesapeake Bay tributaries by 2025. On Monday, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) hosted an event to commemorate the finalization of a large-scale oyster restoration project in the York River.
Among those marking the milestone was Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin.
"We are regaining and redeeming the extraordinary power of our natural resources to unleash the next chapter of a better Virginia," Youngkin said.
The VMRC said this marks a significant milestone in their ongoing efforts to rejuvenate and protect the oyster populations of the Chesapeake Bay.
Additionally, a recent report from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) shared that oyster restoration is key to helping with climate resiliency in the region. Healthy oyster populations benefit the environment, as well as the people and economies who live within the environment.