Molluscan Ecology Monitoring & Advisory
The monitoring data that we collect is used to help guide fisheries management and the industry as well as to assess the effects of restoration efforts.
Programmatically, we have been in the business of monitoring Virginia’s oyster resources since the 1940s. In recent years, collaborative agreement with the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) Conservation and Replenishment Department have led to continued oyster monitoring as well as oyster stock assessment and restoration activities throughout Virginia waters. Collaborations with VMRC have also allowed us to begin periodic monitoring of local hard clam resources. Current monitoring efforts include:
Oyster DredgeThis survey has been conducted annually in the fall since the 1940s and has been a collaborative effort between VIMS and VMRC since the |
Oyster Patent TongThis survey has been conducted annually in the fall since 1993 in collaboration with VMRC. The patent tong survey is a quantitative survey that provides information about |
Oyster Shellstring (
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Rapa Whelk (Rapana venosa):Monitoring of the predatory invasive rapa whelk as by-catch is being re-established after a 10 year hiatus in collaboration with Dr. Michael Unger, VIMS, as he compares changes in sediment tributyltin (TBT) levels in the same area of the Hampton Roads region. TBT acted as a genetic mutagen of the rapa whelk. After it was banned in 2009, levels of TBT have slowly dropped and in conjunction, the capacity of rapa whelk to repopulate has increased. Data collected from this study will be used to advise watermen and environmental regulatory agencies on how to manage this aquatic invasive. |
VOSARA |