The Chris Plante Show 9:00pm - Midnight

Listen Live

Search

Virginia Extends Oyster Harvesting Season After Ice, Market Challenges

Friday, March 13, 2026 at 8:05 PM

Virginia marine officials have extended the oyster harvesting season in two key areas through March 15th after ice conditions and poor market prices hurt watermen. The emergency action affects Pocomoke and Tangier Sound areas, as well as the Rappahannock River region.

Virginia’s marine resource managers have granted emergency extensions to the state’s oyster harvesting season after watermen faced significant losses due to icy conditions and struggling market prices.

During their February 24th meeting, commissioners with the Virginia Marine Resources Commission approved schedule modifications designed to help harvesters make up for missed opportunities during the challenging season.

The emergency changes include extending the current season in Pocomoke and Tangier Sound Rotation Area 1 by two additional weeks, keeping those waters open until March 15th. Additionally, officials will reopen Rappahannock River Area 8 from March 1st through March 15th, providing another two-week harvesting window.

State regulators took the emergency action to help address financial difficulties facing Virginia’s oyster industry, which has been hit by dangerous ice buildup that made harvesting unsafe, combined with depressed market prices that have squeezed profits.

While the season extensions provide additional harvesting time, all existing rules governing equipment use and daily catch limits will continue to apply during the extended periods.

Share

More from TV Delmarva Channel 33 News

  • Satirical Science Awards Leave US for Europe Over Visa Worries

    The Ig Nobel Awards, which celebrate quirky scientific research, are relocating from the United States to Switzerland for the first time in 35 years. Organizers cite safety concerns for international attendees seeking US travel visas under current immigration policies.

  • Wall Street Rebounds Despite Global Market Turmoil as Iran War Continues

    U.S. stock markets recovered from early losses Monday despite ongoing conflict in Iran driving oil prices above $100 per barrel. Asian and European markets fell sharply, but American indices closed higher after President Trump suggested the war may be nearing an end.

  • Thailand’s ‘Death Fest’ Helps Visitors Face Mortality Through Interactive Exhibits

    A unique festival in Thailand encourages people to confront death through hands-on experiences like lying in coffins and learning about end-of-life planning. The three-day event combines Buddhist teachings about mortality with practical services including funeral planning and memorial innovations. Organizers say the goal is helping people prepare for death while focusing on living well in the present.

  • Texas Jury Convicts 8 on Terror Charges in Immigration Facility Shooting

    A federal jury in Fort Worth convicted eight individuals on terrorism charges following a shooting incident at a Texas immigration detention center. The case marks the first time federal prosecutors have used material support for terrorism charges against alleged antifa members.