THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, August 23, 1995 TAG: 9508230511
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B9 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: NEWPORT NEWS LENGTH: Short : 35 lines
The Virginia Marine Resources Commission proposed Tuesday cutting the 1995-96 oyster season in the James River from seven to three months because of damage done by fresh water from summer floods.
The commission also proposed maintaining an oystering ban in the Chesapeake Bay and all other rivers because of continued poor oyster populations.
A five-mile stretch of the James River was the only place in Virginia west of the Eastern Shore last year to have a public oyster season. Diseases and parasites, aggravated by over-harvesting and pollution, have depleted oyster populations throughout the bay.
Commission members said they are reluctant to allow oystering at all this year in the James. Suggesting to oystermen that the season will definitely last from Oct. 1 through April 30 would be irresponsible, said commission member Jane Webb of Newport News.
``I feel very strongly we should not mislead people in the industry,'' Ms. Webb said. ``We all know that unless some miracle occurs, we will not have a spring season.''
The commission will make a decision about the oyster season after a Sept. 26 public hearing.
The population of oysters in the James has shown some improvement over the past year, but suffered a significant setback in June. by CNB