I am proud to share that Virginia Wesleyan University is
part of a bold new coalition that aims to add billions of oysters to the
Chesapeake Bay by 2025. Through its efforts, the Chesapeake 10 Billion
Oysters Partnership will improve water quality, engage new
constituencies, and drive economic benefits across the region.
This
collaborative, multi-year initiative was launched last week—fittingly,
on the same day Virginia Wesleyan was recognized by the Chesapeake Bay
Foundation with its 2018 Conservationist of the Year award. The
partnership has established its top three priorities as ensuring robust
funding for oyster restoration, establishing sound science-based
management that ensures sustainable harvest of the Bay's oyster
population, and expanding the oyster aquaculture industries in Virginia
and Maryland.
The coalition
is made up of a diverse group of non-profits, community organizations,
oyster growers, and others dedicated to helping recover the Bay’s oyster
population. Among the partners are our friends from the Chesapeake Bay
Foundation, Lynnhaven River NOW, the Elizabeth River Project, Pleasure
House Oysters, Washington College, and the Virginia Institute of Marine
Science. Other national partners include the Building Conservation
Trust, the National Aquarium, and Restore America’s Estuaries.
We
are honored to be a partner in this initiative. Not only does it align
with Virginia Wesleyan’s existing efforts to restore the Bay, but it
creates tremendous learning opportunities for our community. Learn more
about this exciting new partnership at www.TenBillionOysters.org.
