VIMS rebuilds the Wachapreague Eastern Shore Lab
On Saturday, October 15, nearly 100 members of the VIMS community — faculty, staff, students, donors, and volunteers — gathered at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science Eastern Shore Laboratory (ESL) in Wachapreague, Virginia to dedicate a campus-wide rejuvenation. VIMS Dean & Director Derek Aday, VIMS ESL Director Richard Snyder, State Senator Lynwood Lewis and State Delegate Rob Bloxom cut the ribbon to resounding applause.
Funding from the Commonwealth — $16.72 million — supported the replacement of four old buildings: an administration building, residence hall, maintenance and fabrication shop and shellfish hatchery, now known as the Castagna Shellfish Research Hatchery & Nursery. An additional research and education building was also constructed.
The Castagna Research Hatchery honors Mike Castagna, who pioneered aquaculture methods at VIMS ESL in the 1960s. He and his team worked on hard clams, bay scallops and other species, and laid the groundwork for the now-thriving, $58-million hard clam industry in Virginia.
Today, the Castagna Research Hatchery is leading bay scallop wild stock restoration and aquaculture, as Snyder and his team strive to continue the lab’s legacy.
“VIMS ESL has been releasing scallops to the coastal bays, and the population is reaching sustainable levels in recent years,” says Snyder. “We also have been working with private growers for bay scallop aquaculture, and have assisted a company start up the first successful bay scallop farm in the region.”
The upgraded hatchery and all of the buildings will ensure the ESL team has the facilities to match their abilities in continuing marine science support for education, research and advisory service for the Eastern Shore of Virginia and beyond.
In addition to the buildings, three new sculptures by local artist David Turner and a painting by Wachapreague artist Carrie Jacobson, were donated by former VIMS Foundation Board president Stephen Johnsen and his wife, Barbara, who were also recognized at the event.
Later in the day, new greenspace between the buildings was put to use hosting a separate seafood feast thanking VIMS donors. Aday presented the VIMS Massey Medallion to two couples for their long-term philanthropic support of VIMS: Maurice “Mo” Lynch and his wife Virginia were recognized for 42 consecutive years of giving and Carl Hershner and his wife Ruth were recognized for 26 years of continuous support.