Acreage in local waterways containing at least partially limited for the harvesting of oysters and other shellfish increased by more than 15 percent over the past year, according to figures provided by the Virginia Department of Health.
The state prohibits, restricts, and seasonally or conditionally approves shellfish harvesting in more than 8,000 acres of local waterways as of July 1, 2022.
A map with this article shows the areas closed to shellfish harvest in red and those that are less restrictive in green. Waterways shown in blue are open.
This year’s total of 8,322.9 acres represents an increase of more than 1,200 acres from the 2021 figure of 7,219.2 acres. The differences are small in some cases, and large in others. For instance, the Ware River condemned area grew from 574 to 789 acres over one year. Large portions of the Ware are open, and approximately half of the classified areas are open seasonally.
Is the water safe?
The Virginia Department of Health regularly checks all w...