The Marine Resources Commission (MRC) serves as stewards of Virginia's marine and aquatic resources, and protectors of its tidal waters and homelands, for present and future generations.

To ensure a healthy sustainable stock of marine and aquatic resources in the Commonwealth, while successfully balancing the competing needs of the commercial and recreational fishing industries, conserving and improving the habitat and environment of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, and providing a secure and safe environment to all who enjoy the benefits of the Commonwealth's tidal waters.

As employees of MRC we will exercise the highest degree of integrity and diligence in serving as stewards of Virginia's marine and aquatic resources and as protectors of its tidal waters and homelands for present and future generations.

We are dedicated to upholding high ethical standards, fairness, and consistency in our actions, while embracing best-in-class practices. These are fundamental values of our agency, along with a strong commitment to exceptional customer service. We strive to provide clear, responsive, and respectful service to all, ensuring that our interactions reflect the professionalism and integrity that define our work.

Recognizing that our employees are one of our most valuable assets, MRC is committed to fostering a workforce that embodies professionalism, collaboration, and continuous learning. We are dedicated to cultivating a harmonious and supportive environment where all staff members gain the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their roles and serve the citizens of the Commonwealth effectively. Our commitment to professional excellence is essential for achieving our mission and maintaining the trust of the communities we serve.

Established in 1875 as the Virginia Fish Commission, MRC is one of the oldest agencies in Virginia state government. The Commission manages saltwater fishing and associated habitat, for both recreational and commercial species. Fisheries Management staff work cooperatively with state, interstate, and federal organizations to promote sustainable fisheries for the benefit of Virginia’s commercial and recreational customers. The Agency also manages water bottoms in public trust for the citizens of the Commonwealth. The Habitat Management Division works with citizens who wish to use water areas for piers or other water- dependent projects. All management activity must balance both public and private interests.  The Law Enforcement Division, known as the Virginia Marine Police, patrols the waterways to enforce applicable laws and regulations, assists citizens in need, has homeland defense duties at the Ports of Hampton Roads and is part of the State's emergency preparedness team. The Shellfish Management Division is dedicated to the conservation and management of shellfish resources within the Commonwealth. It plays a crucial role in developing and implementing conservation measures, conducting replenishment activities on public oyster grounds, supporting restoration efforts, and the management of the Commonwealth’s private shellfish leasing program. Primary statutory authority for the Marine Resources Commission is found in Title 28.2 of the Code of Virginia, entitled Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters.

The Marine Resources Commission remains committed to balancing the regulatory requirements essential for effective resource management with the need to minimize burdens on businesses, while promoting efficiency and sustainability in marine resource utilization. This ongoing effort includes streamlining regulations to ensure the responsible stewardship of Virginia’s marine ecosystems. In 2023 and 2024, MRC saw significant developments, including the launch of the Waterman’s Apprentice Program, achieving over a 20% reduction in regulatory burden, finalizing the York River oyster restoration, and successfully navigating the complexities of offshore wind development in federal waters. The agency also created the Fisheries Innovation for Sustainable Harvest (FISH) Fund to support industry innovation and create an abandoned and derelict vessel grant program that funded the removal of 72 derelict vessels.

Looking ahead, MRC is working on several major initiatives, including developing a blue crab management plan, creating a beneficial use framework for dredge material, exploring alternative fossil shell sources, and planning large-scale habitat restoration projects. These efforts reflect MRC's continued dedication to sustainable marine resource management and long-term ecological health.

Regulatory and Environmental Challenges

MRC anticipates a growing involvement of federal and interstate bodies in the management of marine resources, with an increasing emphasis on multispecies ecosystem management. This shift is expected to lead to more comprehensive fishery regulations and shellfish and habitat planning, requiring significantly enhanced data collection and monitoring efforts. New interstate and regional management policies, particularly regarding the harvesting of menhaden, are expected to impose substantial financial and personnel challenges for the Commonwealth. Additionally, federal mandates could impact the management of species such as sturgeon, summer flounder, striped bass, sea turtles, and marine mammals.

Environmental variations present a long-term risk to Virginia’s fisheries and marine resources, particularly for migratory species such as summer flounder, black sea bass, and croaker, which are expected to experience shifts in abundance and distribution. Rising temperatures, sea levels, and ocean acidification are projected to impact critical habitats and shellfish stocks, reducing the availability of fish for harvest within the Chesapeake Bay.

Shellfish Management

The Commission remains committed to the sustainable management, replenishment, and restoration of Virginia's oyster resources. Key initiatives include enhancing restoration efforts, promoting long-term sustainable shellfish harvests, and administering the Commonwealth’s private shellfish leasing program. As Virginia’s oyster industry continues to flourish, the agency anticipates an increased focus on regulation and enforcement to comply with the National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP) mandates. This will ensure the protection and sanitation of shellfish moving in interstate commerce.

Marine Police and Homeland Security

The Virginia Marine Police face expanding responsibilities, including heightened homeland defense duties at the Ports of Hampton Roads and continued search and rescue operations. The protection of Virginia’s improving oyster resources from poaching, particularly in public and condemned waters, remains a priority. With the growth of the oyster industry, enforcement of NSSP regulations will become increasingly critical.

Habitat Management

The agency anticipates an increase in requests for habitat permits due to population growth and development in Tidewater. A significant number of localities are also revoking their tidal wetlands ordinances, leading to more applications requiring additional review by staff and the Commission. This will require a careful balance between public and private interests regarding the state’s marine resources.

Workforce and Financial Considerations

MRC’s current workforce is under strain due to increasing responsibilities across various areas, including state-owned bottomlands, Eastern Shore marshes, aquaculture, finance, contracting, search and rescue, patrol work, emergency preparedness, and conservation resilience responsibilities. The impending and current retirement of long-term employees with substantial institutional knowledge poses an additional challenge. The complexity of shellfish aquaculture leasing and permitting continues to pressure the management team.

Financially, the agency has become increasingly reliant on non-general fund (NGF) revenue, derived from license sales, permits, and dredge fees, to support key management and regulatory functions and key personnel. This shift away from General Fund (GF) dollars has reduced the agency’s ability to fund essential activities such as fishery research, surveys, monitoring, and stock assessments, which are critical to maintaining compliance with interstate fishery management plans and removing waterway obstructions from Virginia’s tidal waters.

Environmental Policy and Resilience Planning

In 2022, MRC created a resilience and environmental policy position within the Commissioner’s office to lead the agency in strategic thinking regarding habitat restoration projects and policy development across regulatory divisions. This, along with the movement of the regulatory coordinator position to the Commissioner’s office, has created a more stable and long-term policy focus for the agency.

Conclusion

MRC is poised to address the evolving challenges of managing marine resources through strategic planning, effective regulatory management, and the sustainable use of Virginia’s marine resources. However, the agency must navigate significant environmental, workforce, and financial hurdles to ensure the continued vitality and sustainability of the Commonwealth’s marine ecosystems.

Major IT investments Underway Include:

The Commission's IT staff oversees fifteen custom business applications that automate most of the agency’s business processes, including licensing, permitting, mapping, and various data collection and reporting functions. These applications have significantly enhanced the agency's ability to provide citizen access to data and services online, while also streamlining numerous internal processes. Additionally, IT staff maintain the infrastructure, which includes over 100 computers assigned by the Virginia Information Technology Agency (VITA) and 70 computers assigned by the Virginia State Police (VSP) for the Marine Police.

IT Plans and Needs

A critical concern in our current IT environment is the reliance on a single server to host all fifteen of our applications. This setup presents a substantial risk, as any failure or attack on this server could disrupt all agency operations. Given the widespread use of these applications by staff, citizens, and partner agencies, this "all eggs in one basket" approach is unsustainable.

To mitigate this risk, the agency plans to acquire a second server in the coming year. Distributing the applications across two servers will significantly enhance our resilience against threats like natural disasters or cyber-attacks. In the event of a server failure, applications could be swiftly migrated to the alternate server, thereby minimizing downtime and ensuring continuity of service. This proactive measure will also improve our disaster recovery capabilities, reducing recovery time and safeguarding critical agency functions.

MRC is steadfast in its commitment to fostering professionalism, workforce development, and exceptional customer service within its workforce and operations. We recognize that a skilled and professional workforce is essential for achieving our mission and effectively serving the citizens of the Commonwealth.

We are dedicated to upholding high ethical standards, fairness, and consistency in our actions, considering these as fundamental values of our agency. By embracing a focus on professionalism and customer service, we strive to provide the highest quality services to all members of our community.

To achieve these goals, we are committed to implementing equitable recruitment processes, conducting targeted outreach efforts, regularly reviewing workforce development opportunities, and eliminating barriers to accessing MRC services. We envision adding a Compliance and Standards Officer to our HR team to cultivate a culture of high standards and performance. We understand that our workforce is our greatest asset, and we are committed to ensuring it reflects the professionalism required to serve the Commonwealth effectively.

Our objective is to enhance and expand our initiatives aimed at advancing workforce development and excellence. These efforts will be guided by goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART). Achieving these objectives requires the commitment and accountability of every member of our team. It is through collective dedication and responsibility that we will realize our shared vision.

Our leadership team is dedicated to proactively implementing strategies, ideas, and platforms that embody the principles of ethical standards, best-in-class practices, professionalism, and customer service, integrating them into our daily practices. Adhering to these principles is vital for the overall effectiveness and well-being of the agency.

MRC seeks to ensure accessibility and equal treatment for all individuals, including those with disabilities, in recruitment, retention, engagement, learning, and development, providing the same level of service and support to everyone.

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission headquarters have been located on Fort Monroe since 2019 which is leased. Additional leased office space is located in Gloucester (Middle Area), Belle Haven (Eastern Shore), and Heathsville (Northern Area).

The Agency-owned Operations Station (Southern Area) is located in the Newport News Small Boat Harbor.

Natural Resource Management Risks:

User Conflicts from Rapid Expansion of Shellfish Aquaculture:

Efforts to streamline regulatory processes and advancements in shellfish aquaculture have spurred rapid industry growth. This expansion has led to increasing conflicts between shellfish growers and the public, as both groups share the use of Virginia’s waters and submerged lands. Managing these competing interests while fostering sustainable industry growth is a significant challenge for the agency.

Scarcity of Shell Cultch:

Shell cultch, a critical material for both public oyster bed restoration and private aquaculture, is becoming scarce and increasingly expensive. While alternative materials for oyster spat attachment have been tested and found financially viable, they pose operational challenges due to their density and unsuitability for all oyster grounds. MRC’s annual shell replenishment program for public oyster grounds depends entirely on fossil shell harvested from state-owned submerged lands by a unique, aging dredge. The limited lifespan of current shell sources (projected at 15 years) and the potential failure of the dredge represent significant threats to the public oyster fishery. To address this, MRC has initiated efforts to identify alternative fossil shell sources.

Fisheries Management and Environmental Variations:

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council are expected to introduce new fishery management plan addendums between 2022-2024, which may bring additional regulations for key recreational species like cobia and black sea bass, as well as important commercial and recreational species such as striped bass. Environmental variations pose a further risk, with models predicting reduced abundance of many Mid-Atlantic fish stocks as species shift their range northward in response to rising temperatures. The impacts of rising temperatures on fish reproduction and early life stages are still largely unknown, adding uncertainty to future stock sustainability.

Tidal Wetlands Management Shifts:

MRC is facing increased responsibilities as some localities are rescinding their voluntary wetlands ordinances, requiring the agency to act as the wetlands staff and review board for those areas. This shift is creating additional workload for MRC and could lead to slower permit response times. The challenge of balancing environmental protection with efficient permitting is compounded by the growing need to incorporate climate resilience into decision-making processes.

Resource Resilience:

The resilience of natural resources, and the economies that depend on them, to the impacts of environmental variations are becoming a key risk factor. MRC must incorporate long-term climate adaptation strategies into all aspects of resource management, requiring innovative approaches, a reevaluation of short-term versus long-term project impacts, and participation in large-scale restoration efforts. Proactive planning is essential to ensuring that Virginia’s natural resources remain viable in the face of environmental changes.

Funding Risks:

The agency has grown increasingly reliant on non-general fund (NGF) revenue from license sales, permits, and dredge fees to support core management, regulatory functions, and key personnel. This shift away from General Fund (GF) dollars has limited the agency's ability to fund critical activities such as fishery research, surveys, and stock assessments, which are essential for maintaining compliance with interstate management plans and clearing waterway obstructions.

The Joint Enforcement Agreement (JEA) with the National Marine Fisheries Service provided funding for the Law Enforcement Division to purchase essential equipment like boats, trailers, motors, and vehicles. In the event of reduction or loss of funding through the JEA, Virginia Marine Police would struggle to maintain current equipment and operability.

To mitigate these challenges, the Law Enforcement Division has implemented a recycling program for old vessels, generating funds for new equipment. The program aims to procure at least one new vessel per year and decommission non-compliant vessels, helping to sustain operational readiness despite funding pressures.

IT Risks:

MRC-IT risk factors include a cyber-attack, ransomware, and natural disasters that would impact network accessibility.  A specific and immediate risk is all our custom applications are housed on a single server.  To mitigate this risk and provide a degree of operational redundancy, we are requesting funding for an additional server.

Workforce Risks:

MRC faces workforce risks, with 20% of its employees eligible for retirement within the next five years. This impending loss of institutional knowledge highlights the urgent need for career ladders and succession planning, particularly for key technical personnel, to ensure continuity and expertise in critical functions.

Additionally, the agency has experienced several long-term disability leave cases this year, causing a major capacity loss in some divisions. These unexpected absences have further strained resources, underscoring the importance of workforce planning and staff development to maintain operational effectiveness in the face of ongoing personnel shortages.

The budget for the Marine Resources Commission (MRC) for the 2024 – 2026 biennium, as appropriated in Chapter 2, 2024 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I, provide an appropriation in year one of $39,098,301 in year one and $32,348,301 in year two. General Funds in year one ($22,453,165) comprise 57% of the agency’s budget and in year two ($18,703,165) comprise 58% of the agency’s budget. The remaining 43% of the agency’s budget in year one (FY2025) is comprised of a variety of non-general funds which constitute a vital part of the budget. These non-general funds come from the Commonwealth Transportation Fund, Dedicated Special Revenues, Trust and Agency Funds, and Federal Funding in the form of grants.

The Commonwealth Transportation Funds come from un-refunded motor fuel taxes collected from the sale of gasoline used in motor vessels. These funds partially fund the Law Enforcement Dispatchers. Special fund revenues consist primarily of monies collected from the sale of commercial fishing licenses, the sale of recreational saltwater fishing licenses, the collection of an oyster resource user fee from those that work  in the various facets of the Commonwealth’s oyster fishery, from the small portion of indirect costs taken on federally funded projects coming into the agency and from monies collected when the agency surpluses equipment that is no longer usable by the agency. Dedicated special revenues are derived from the assessment of various habitat permit fees for permitted activity within MRC's jurisdiction and from the assessment of royalties for non-exempt encroachments and dredging operations. The Federal Fund appropriations represent the best estimates during biennial budget preparation of all the federal monies that MRC could potentially receive from federal programs.

Chapter 2 includes adjustments from last fiscal years’ appropriation for the agency that include the distribution of centrally funded cost and for state employee salary increases in 2024 and 2025.

In addition to the adjustments for centrally funded costs and statewide salary increases, the 2024 Acts of Assembly approved adjustments for the approved statewide salary increases for FY2024. It also includes funding to address salary compression issues in the Law Enforcement division and a one-time $3,000,000 portion of the Monsanto Company settlement (manufacturer of Roundup) for support of oyster replenishment.

Agency revenue collections have taken on increasing importance as core programs such as Fisheries Management, Law Enforcement, and Habitat Management have successively lost General Funding but have maintained services, with the approval of the Administration and the General Assembly, by replacing these lost General Funds by using a variety of non-general fund revenues.

Special fund revenues consist primarily of monies collected from the sale of commercial fishing licenses, the sale of recreational saltwater fishing licenses, the collection of an oyster resource user fee from those that work in the various facets of the Commonwealth’s oyster fishery, from the small portion of indirect costs taken on federally funded projects coming into the agency and from monies collected when the agency surpluses equipment that is no longer viably usable by the agency. The Commonwealth Transportation Funds come from un-refunded motor fuel taxes collected from the sale of gasoline used in motor vessels. Dedicated special revenues are derived from the assessment of various habitat permit fees for permitted activity within MRC's jurisdiction and from the assessment of royalties for permitted dredging operations. The Federal Fund appropriations represent our best estimates during biennial budget preparation of all the federal monies that MRC could potentially receive from federal programs. The agency currently receives federal funding (Fund 10000) from the Department of Commerce, NOAA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Marine Fisheries Service.

The following table provides a snapshot of the most recent key statistics related to agency operations.

MRC's primary customers consist of both commercial and recreational license holders, two groups that are experiencing significant shifts in demographics and participation levels. Among commercial license holders, there has been a notable decline in numbers, driven largely by an aging workforce—a trend commonly referred to as the "graying of the fleet." Currently, 25% of Virginia's commercial fishermen are between the ages of 60 and 69, posing challenges to the sustainability of the industry as fewer younger individuals are entering the field. This demographic shift has implications for workforce succession, knowledge transfer, and the long-term viability of commercial fishing in the Commonwealth.

On the recreational side, participation trends are more fluid, with varying degrees of growth and decline in certain regions or species-specific fishing activities. MRC continues to adapt to these shifts by fostering engagement through educational programs, public access improvements, and incentive-based programs such as fishing awards.

Both customer groups require tailored regulatory and management approaches to address their unique needs, including resource allocation, habitat protection, and balancing economic sustainability with ecological stewardship. MRC remains committed to addressing these evolving dynamics by supporting sustainable practices, investing in future workforce development through initiatives like the Waterman's Apprentice Program, and creating opportunities to engage younger generations in both commercial and recreational fishing sectors.

Sustainable Fisheries Management:

Develop management and regulatory measures to ensure both a sustainable and financially viable commercial and recreational marine fishery in the Commonwealth, while ensuring fair and equitable allocation of all harvestable marine resources.

Coastal Lands Protection and Regulation:

Protect and regulate private use and development of the Commonwealth’s coastal lands, including submerged lands, tidal wetlands, and coastal primary sand dunes/beaches. This is done through a permit review process that balances private interests with the need to preserve vital habitats, consistent with the Public Trust Doctrine.

Shellfish Leasing and Aquaculture Permitting:

Administer the Commonwealth’s private shellfish ground leasing program and oversee shellfish aquaculture permitting to promote the sustainable development of shellfish industries.

Oyster Bed Replenishment and Restoration:

Manage public oyster grounds, replenish and restore oyster populations through construction, maintenance, and monitoring of public beds, transplanting seed oysters, and promoting shellfish aquaculture.

Survey and Mapping Services:

Maintain surveys and maps for public oyster grounds, the Virginia-Maryland border, leased shellfish grounds, condemned areas, tidal waterways, and shorelines, as well as the 28,000 acres of ungranted marshes and meadowlands. Provide maps and expert testimony for shellfish law enforcement and regulatory compliance.

Search, Rescue, and Public Safety:

Provide marine radio communications, dispatch services, and conduct search and rescue operations. Fulfill homeland security responsibilities at the ports of Hampton Roads.

Enforcement of Fisheries Regulations:

Enforce commercial and recreational fisheries regulations, ensuring compliance with state, interstate, and federal management plans. Provide cooperative enforcement of federal programs for offshore fisheries and uphold health and safety laws for marine species.

Promotion of Marine Recreational Fishing:

Promote marine recreational fishing by administering awards programs recognizing trophy catches, improving public access, and constructing and maintaining artificial fishing reefs to enhance fishing opportunities.

Resilience Planning and Environmental Review:

Conduct resilience planning to mitigate the impacts of severe weather events, sea-level rise, and habitat degradation by developing adaptive strategies for ecosystems, infrastructure, and communities. Environmental review ensures that proposed projects are evaluated for their environmental impacts, promoting sustainable development while protecting critical habitats and minimizing long-term risks to natural resources.

Regulatory Reduction

MRC is currently making substantial progress in alleviating the regulatory burden on the citizens of the Commonwealth while making necessary changes to ensure a best-in-class state government. This regulatory initiative stems from Governor Youngkin’s Executive Order 19 which sets a 25% reduction in regulatory requirements for State agencies by December 2025. MRC has already exceeded 82% of the 25% reduction target and is on track to fully achieve this goal by mid-2025. This executive order ensures that all regulations are reviewed for their impact on local governments, and regulated community and most importantly the private citizens of the Commonwealth.

One notable change from MRC resulted in a considerable burden that was reduced for many in the shellfish industry with a new regulation. Instead of a daily $150 fee for each harvest, commercial fishermen now pay a single $150 fee annually. This adjustment is expected to save the fishermen over $8,000 per year, and even more crucially, it frees up their time: less paperwork means more time on the water. Additionally, MRC has the added benefit from reduced administrative workload, as processing and tracking numerous daily permits is more time-consuming than handling a single annual fee.

Shellfish Management and Restoration

Virginia’s oyster restoration efforts have led to a significant increase in both oyster populations and harvests, growing from 95,000 bushels in 2008–2009 to over 700,000 bushels annually since the 2023–2024 season. The dockside value has risen from $3.5 million to more than $40 million, with the Virginia Bay-wide oyster population reaching a 30-year high. Exceeding the goals of the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement, Virginia is on the way to finalizing the restoration of six tributaries, showcasing its leadership in the largest oyster restoration project in the U.S., driven by MRC’s collaboration with federal, nonprofit, and private partners.

Conservation Enforcement

The Virginia Marine Police (VMP) are taking substantial steps toward modernization and operation enhancement through the integration of Central Square’s CAD/RMS system. This advanced technology significantly improves the efficiency of dispatch operations and record management, providing officers with real-time data to ensure faster response times and more informed decision-making. This system upgrade is part of VMP’s ongoing commitment to enhancing public safety and the effective management of Virginia’s Waterways.

VMP has also refocused its recruitment efforts, achieving a remarkable 400% increase in diversity hiring. The division has adopted a more conservation-focused approach, reflecting the department’s evolving mission to protect Virginia’s marine and natural resources. As part of this shift, VMP is actively recruiting college graduates from programs specializing in natural resources, environmental science, and conservation. This targeted recruitment ensures that new officers come with a solid foundation in conservation and a deep understanding of marine ecosystems, furthering VMP’s efforts in sustainable resource management and protection.

Outreach efforts have also been revamped, with increased engagement at job fairs and community events, while partnerships with universities are being strengthened to attract candidates who are passionate about conservation. VMP’s commitment to these principles is underscored by its collaboration with academic programs aimed at fostering the next generation of conservation-minded law enforcement officers.

In the field, VMP has increased its collaboration and support for the Virginia Stranding Network, responding more rapidly and effectively to marine mammal strandings across the state. This increased cooperation ensures a swift, coordinated response to these events, helping to protect vulnerable marine life and promoting public awareness of conservation efforts.

In recognition of the dedication and service of law enforcement personnel, the Commissioner’s office, in collaboration with VMP leadership, successfully secured funding from the General Assembly for an across-the-board compression pay adjustment package. This adjustment is designed to ensure competitive compensation for all law enforcement officers and support staff, demonstrating the department’s commitment to the well-being and morale of its personnel. This funding marks a milestone in supporting the VMP’s mission to protect Virginia’s marine resources with a skilled and motivated enforcement division.

Policy

The Commissioner’s office has made significant strides in advancing its mission of sustainable resource management, regulatory efficiency, and maximizing the economic value of fisheries resources. One of the key areas of progress has been the development of several Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to streamline and formalize agency processes. These new accomplishments include creating a formalized FOIA policy and a new FOIA tracking application, a standardized petition for the rulemaking process, a license revocation SOP, a scientific collection permit policy, a public meetings policy, comprehensive FOIA training standards, and a communications policy. In addition, the team has updated the procedures for Commission hearing preparations to ensure smoother operations and enhanced transparency.

Beyond internal improvements, MRC secured several federal grants to support resilience planning and habitat restoration projects, further demonstrating the agency's leadership in environmental stewardship. A notable achievement was MRC’s role in reviewing and negotiating the state’s first offshore wind project ensuring MRC resources and the fishing economy is considered in offshore wind development.

Fisheries Management

The Bio-sampling Program collected data from a combined 26,463 fish in 2022 and 2023. This data includes approximately 661,000 data points across 15 different species of fish. Thanks to the efforts of our field staff, these samples represent a wide range of watermen, demographics, and localities. All fish purchased as part of our normal sampling operations are also donated to either the Salvation Army kitchen (Food quality fish) or a raptor rehabilitation center (non-food fish). In 2023, over 2000 pounds of fresh fish were donated for human consumption. We met this landmark again in 2024, but this time by the end of June, with plenty of the year left to go. Despite constant changes in fishing practices and the closure of several large volume fishing operations, MRC’s Bio-sampling staff continue to uphold the high data standards that keep Virginia on the forefront of data collection on the East Coast.

MRC’s Acoustic Telemetry Program has continued to expand after its original inception in Spring of 2022. As of Fall of 2023, the acoustic “gate” was officially closed with the expansion of the array to a full 16 receivers stretching from VA Beach to Fisherman’s Island along the CBBT. The data collected by this array has already proven to be an invaluable resource to research institutions all along the East Coast and beyond. To date, the array has logged 57,081 individual detections composed of data from 794 unique animals across 15 different species. We have provided this data back to 35 different projects being conducted by state wildlife agencies, private research institutions, federal agencies, and public universities. Through 2024, we continue to explore new avenues of cooperation with fellow researchers and new opportunities to expand the utility of this program. From 2022 to 2024, staff have also successfully acoustically tagged 46 individual adult striped bass as part of a long-term migration and timing study being conducted by the Agency. The transmitters surgically implanted within these fish have an operational lifetime of greater than five years, which should allow for multiple migration events to be tracked for individuals. This project represents a long-term commitment to understanding the shifts in striped bass population dynamics and how best to protect and rebuild this species. Already, we have logged multiple years of migrations from the fish tagged in 2022 and continue to look forward to the influx of new data as the 2023 and 2024 fish continue to be detected on our own acoustic array and cooperating arrays along the coast.

During 2022, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (MRC) participated in the 2021 Seafood Processors Pandemic Response and Safety (SPRS) Block Grant Program to distributed $1,557,467 in relief funds to defray the expenses preparing for, preventing exposure to, and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic for seafood processing facilities and processing vessels.  In early 2022, MRC staff developed an online web portal for application management and offered several webinars with industry and the public to explain eligibility and the application process. MRC staff worked with applicants on a case-by-case basis to organize and complete the applications. Payments were authorized and distributed to eligible applicants in October 2022.  Payments ranged from just under $3,000 to over $360,000 and averaged approximately $120,000.

By managing the commercial fisheries of Virginia waters and select fisheries from federal waters on a long-term sustainable basis, the economic output of the fisheries is improved. Compliance with interstate and federal fishery management plans will ensure the availability of sustainable resources for Virginia’s citizens. This aligns with the Natural and Historic Resources objective of increasing the outdoor experiences for all Virginians.

To ensure that conservation and management measures promote a sustainable yield from the fisheries, by efficient utilization of fishery resources, without over harvesting, and promote fair and equitable allocation of harvestable resources among user groups.

• Continue to review fishery management and conservation plans for marine and estuarine species, continue to comply with federal and interstate fishing plan mandates, and continue to regulate fish sizes, gear restrictions, season and area closures, and quota management. On a yearly basis, continue to monitor and review the number of key finfish, crabs, oysters, and clams landed in Virginia in millions of pounds as taken from state and federal landings data.

Continued efforts to develop conservation measures for shellfish and continued efforts to conduct replenishment activities on public oyster grounds.

• Create and rehabilitate public oyster grounds and develop regulations to aid continued shellfish harvest.

Conservation and protection of fishery and habitat resources is vital, and necessary for their sustainability. Proper enforcement ensures availability of the resources on a fair and equitable basis to all user groups. Ability to respond to Homeland Defense and Search and Rescue responsibilities protects Virginia's citizens who live near, work on, or enjoy the State's marine resources and waterways, and ensures a fair and effective system of justice and provides a prepared response to emergencies and disasters of all kinds.

• Interact and educate all user groups via patrol activities conducted by Marine Police Officers.

• Issue legally justifiable summons, done in full compliance with applicable state laws and regulations.


• Annual training for Marine Police Officers in species identification, newly enacted laws and regulations, shellfish handling, boating accident investigations, search and rescue operations, and security patrols for high value targets.

Promotion of a sustainable recreational fishery assists citizens in achieving a higher level of well-being and improves economic outputs based on increased tourism and travel. Compliance with fishery management plans ensures the availability of abundant recreational fishery resources. This aligns with two of the Commonwealth's objectives - to be a national leader in the preservation and enhancement of our economy and to protect, conserve and wisely develop our natural, historical and cultural resources.

Continued promotion of saltwater recreational fishing opportunities in the Commonwealth through an award program recognizing exceptional catches, conservation of recreational fisheries by promotion of a catch and release program and continued promotion of tourism and travel in Tidewater Virginia.

• Continuation of promotional activities of saltwater recreational fishing in Virginia by activities with sportswriters, tourist agencies, recreational angling clubs and continuation of the annual Saltwater Fishing Tournament program. Continuation of promotion, through same mediums, of catch and release fisheries in the Commonwealth.

This goal is designed to balance the public and private benefits of a particular lease or permit application to ensure that the Commonwealth's Public Trust responsibilities are adequately considered while protecting, and accommodating, use of our invaluable marine and aquatic resources for and by future generations. This also aligns with two of the Commonwealth's objectives - to be a national leader in the preservation and enhancement of our economy and to protect, conserve and wisely develop our natural, historical and cultural resources.

This objective is designed to balance the public and private benefits of a particular lease or permit application to ensure that the Commonwealth's Public Trust responsibilities are adequately considered while protecting, and accommodating, use of our invaluable marine and aquatic resources for and by future generations. This also aligns with two of the Commonwealth's objectives - to be a national leader in the preservation and enhancement of our economy and to protect, conserve and wisely develop our natural, historical and cultural resources.

• Manage an application processing system that balances the public and private benefits of a particular lease application to ensure that the Commonwealth's Public Trust responsibilities are adequately considered while protecting, and accommodating, use of the State's marine and aquatic resources for and by future generations.

Conservation and protection of fishery and habitat resources is a vital element, necessary for their sustainability. Proper enforcement ensures availability of the resources on a fair and equitable basis to all user groups. Ability to respond to Homeland Defense and Search and Rescue responsibilities protects Virginia's citizens who live near, work on, or enjoy the State's marine resources and waterways. This aligns with two of the Commonwealth's goals - to protect, conserve and wisely develop our natural , historical and cultural resources, and to protect the public safety and security, ensuring a fair and effective system of justice and providing a prepared response to emergencies and disasters of all kinds.

Conservation and protection of fishery and habitat resources is vital, and necessary for their sustainability. Proper enforcement ensures availability of the resources on a fair and equitable basis to all user groups. Ability to respond to Homeland Defense and Search and Rescue responsibilities protects Virginia's citizens who live near, work on, or enjoy the State's marine resources and waterways, and ensures a fair and effective system of justice and provides a prepared response to emergencies and disasters of all kinds.

• Interact and educate all user groups via patrol activities conducted by Marine Police Officers.

• Issue legally justifiable summons, done in full compliance with applicable state laws and regulations.


• Annual training for Marine Police Officers in species identification, newly enacted laws and regulations, shellfish handling, boating accident investigations, search and rescue operations, and security patrols for high value targets.

Maintaining the existing high level of financial and business excellence for the Marine Resources Commission will allow for the best allocation of agency resources and will ensure that full support is given to the achievement of the goals for Fisheries Management, Habitat Management and Law Enforcement. This will align with the economic long-term objectives of the Commonwealth, and with the objective to be the best-managed state in the nation.

Maintaining the existing high level of financial and business excellence for the Marine Resources Commission will allow for the best allocation of agency resources and will ensure that full support is given to the achievement of the goals for Fisheries Management, Habitat Management, Conservation and Replenishment Department, and Law Enforcement. This will align with the economic long-term objectives of the Commonwealth, and with the objective to be the best-managed state in the nation.

• To manage agency resources well and effectively in the areas of Human Resource Management, Government Procurement, Financial Management, Technology, Performance Management, Business Management and Internal Auditing.

This activity collects and analyzes biological and statistical information on both interjurisdictional and resident fishery stocks and includes harvest and fishing effort data and biological attributes of the populations. Catch quotas and allocations of harvest are tracked. Fisheries conservation plans and regulations are prepared.

The collection and analysis of biological and statistical information, tracking of harvest and landing quotas and allocations to the user groups of that harvest, and preparation of fisheries conservation plans and regulations all serve to support the agency's mission to serve as stewards of the Commonwealth's marine and aquatic resources for present and future generations.

Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters

The General Fund supports the payment of Virginia’s yearly dues to two interstate compact organizations - the Potomac River Fisheries Commission, and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, the Mandatory Reporting Program, the Plans and Statistics Program, and the Dependent Stock Assessment Program.

Special Funds provide additional support to the Dependent Stockl Assessment Program and Federal Funds support the ASMFC-ACCSP Access Point Angler Intercept Study and the Sturgeon/Turtle Endangered Species Grant.

This service area is responsible for the following activities: patrolling the tidal waters and shoreline of the Chesapeake Bay, its tidal tributaries and territorial sea; enforcing marine fishery and habitat conservation laws and regulations; enforcing health laws pertaining to the harvesting of seafood from condemned areas; enforcing or assisting other agencies in enforcing laws pertaining to the removal of obstructions and abandoned vessels from the water, to boating operation and navigation, and to larceny on the water; providing for water-borne safety; conducting search and rescue activities; protecting from terrorist attack federal and state water-related installations and other water-related locations within the tidal waters of the Commonwealth as may be designated by federal or state officials as important to national security; and investigating and enforcing violations of federal laws that pertain to marine wildlife and fish, based on signed Memorandums of Understanding.

The activities listed above relate directly to the agency’s mission to serve as stewards of Virginia’s marine and aquatic resources for present and future generations. The agency would not be able to perform the activities described in the agency mission statement without the services of the agency Law Enforcement Division whose employees encompass slightly more than 50% of the agency FTE allocation.

Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters

General Fund support of this service has been reduced in response to general fund budget reductions. In order to maintain the core service functions of this service area the reductions have been supplanted with funding from the sale of commercial and recreational fishing licenses and the use of federal grant monies.

This activity enhances the use of fishery resources through augmentation of existing, artificial fishing reef sites, through a variety of methods, in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, and offshore in the Atlantic Ocean. New habitat provides niches for many species in addition to providing recreational fishing opportunities.

This activity enhances recreational fishing activity in the Commonwealth for current and future generations.

Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters

This service area is entirely funded by support from the Saltwater Recreational Fishing Development Fund ($69,520) that supports a small portion of the salaries of two FTE’s in that fund that lend their expertise in this area and for the support of minimal equipment and fuel expenses for the monitoring of the deployment of reef materials. They rely heavily on the donation of materials of opportunity due to limited funding availability.

This activity is responsible for management of all commercial and recreational marine fisheries in Virginia. Fishery management and conservation plans are developed for marine and estuarine species. Regulations are promulgated by the Commission for fish sizes, gear restrictions, season and area closures, quota management and limited entry.

This activity is responsible for management of all commercial and recreational marine fisheries in the Commonwealth, which is an integral part of the agency's mission to serve as stewards of the Commonwealth's marine and aquatic resources for present and future generations.

Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters

General funds supply funding for the personnel and operating costs of the Fisheries Management activities. The two licensing funds (special funds) provide matching dollars for the federal monies the agency receives each year from grants from the Department of the Interior. These federal Sport Fish Restoration Grant funds of approximately $1.8 million dollars are received annually and are allocated primarily to VIMS for approved research projects that impact several fisheries species, such as striped bass, river herring and American shad. Many of these research projects have been funded for twenty or more years.

As mandated by the legislature, the agency will continue the Saltwater Sport Fishing Tournament however, no funds have been provided by the General Assembly for this purpose. The agency will continue to utilize the Saltwater Recreational Fishing Fund for this purpose.

This service area was combined with 51002 during the 2022 legislative session and subsequently approved via Chapter 2. 

See Service Area 50509

See service area 50509 - These appropriations were put in 50508service erea in error.  They have been moved to 50509

This program is dedicated to the conservation and management of shellfish resources within the Commonwealth. It plays a crucial role in developing and implementing conservation measures, conducting replenishment activities on public oyster grounds, supporting restoration efforts, and the management of the Commonwealth’s private shellfish leasing program.

Key responsibilities include administering both the Commonwealth's public oyster and clam fisheries as well as private shellfish ground leasing programs. The program maintains comprehensive surveys and maps of the public oyster grounds (Baylor Grounds) and private lease areas, tidal waterways, shorelines, and sea/shell plant areas across the state. Additionally, it is tasked with surveying and identifying ungranted marsh and meadowlands on the Eastern Shore.

This service area provides critical support to law enforcement by supplying field locations, mapping violations, and providing expert court testimony. Furthermore, it assists the Fisheries Division with the location and mapping of fixed fishing devices for permitting purposes and provides location data and other essential information for permitting processes.

As this area is responsible for oyster conservation and restoration programs in the Commonwealth, it directly relates to the agency's mission to serve as stewards of the Commonwealth's marine and aquatic resources for current and future generations. This service area directly relates to the agency's mission to serve as stewards of the Commonwealth's marine and aquatic resources for present and future generations, by administering the Commonwealth's shellfish leasing program, protecting ungranted marsh and meadowlands and providing survey and mapping services for the tidal waterways.

This Division was created by the 2022 Legislative session and approved via Chapter 2. This action combined the Oyster Propagation and Habitat Improvement (50508) service are with the Engineering and Surveying service area (51002) to better manage these two corresponding functions.

$3,000,000 of the appropriation in FY25 (originally allocated in 50508 but transfered to 50509) is part of the $80 million in settlement funds from Monsanto that was secured by the Commonwealth for environmental contamination in the Commonwealth.  This is a one-time funding increase for FY25 only and to be used for Oyster Replenishment.

$500,000 of the appropriation in FY25 (originally allocated in 50508 but transfered to 50509) was legislatively approved for oyster replenishment/restoration.

This service area has responsibility for the implementation of a regulatory review process and permitting program for encroachments in state waters over state-owned submerged or bottom lands (both tidal and non-tidal), and for the use or development of coastal primary sand dunes/beaches and tidal wetlands. It also has responsibility for the ballast water management program, and for management of the ungranted marshes and meadowlands lying on the Eastern Shore. The Coastal Lands Management service area serves as the central clearinghouse for the receipt and distribution of the Joint Permit Application (JPA) used throughout the Commonwealth by numerous federal, state and local agencies. This latter responsibility has been funded solely by MRC with no fiscal assistance from the remaining state and federal regulatory and advisory agencies.

This service area directly relates to the agency's mission to serve as stewards of the Commonwealth's marine and aquatic resources for present and future generations, by protecting the Commonwealth's valuable state-owned submerged lands, state-owned riverbeds, coastal primary sand dunes/beaches, tidal wetlands and state waters.

Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters

Title 62.1. Waters of the State, Ports and Harbors

General funds allocated to this service area in FY23 also include appropriations that are dedicated in year one for special purposes: Virginia’s share of an Army Corps of Engineers project to support the Chincoteague Inlet Study ($1,500,000) and a Derelict Boat Removal Program ($3,000,000).  These funds are not part of the FY25 and FY26 allocation.

The Marine Habitat & Waterways Improvement Fund (WIF) receives monies from habitat permit and dredging fees, civil charges and encroachment fees.

Federal Funds allocated to Coastal Lands and Bottom Lands Management are received from a grant from the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program.

This service area was combined with 50508 during the 2022 legislative session and subsequently approved via Chapter 2. 

See service area 50509

See service area 50509

This activity promotes saltwater recreational fishing opportunities and conservation ethics in Virginia through a yearlong Saltwater Fishing Tournament which recognizes exceptional catches and releases through an angler citation awards program, and benefits Virginia’s economy through travel and tourism promotion.

Promotion of saltwater recreational fishing and conservation ethics in the Commonwealth, directly relates to the agency's mission to serve as stewards of the Commonwealth's marine and aquatic resources for current and future generations.

Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters

This service area is fully funded from monies received from the sale of saltwater recreational fishing licenses ($220,000), and support two FTE. 

This service area contains the areas of finance, budgeting, grants management, administration, procurement, business management, human resources, information technology for agency business systems, and licensing services. It also supports the agency head and the advisory board of the Marine Resources Commission.

The Administration and Support Services area provides support to the other agency divisions that regulate and manage the tidal fisheries and their habitat. Financial, business, information technology and human resource management are critical to agency performance.

Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters