Kaine Visits Rappahannock River Oysters

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine joined the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, the Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources, and the Virginia Seafood Council on the Rappahannock River today to view public oyster grounds and oyster sanctuaries before touring Rappahannock River Oyster Company.  Throughout the day, Kaine applauded Virginia’s continued oyster restoration efforts that have allowed the Chesapeake Bay oyster population to rebound in recent years.

“As governor I was proud of our work to foster oyster replenishment and I'm eager to do what I can to support Virginia's historic oyster industry on the federal level,” said Kaine. “It's great news for Virginia that we saw the largest oyster harvest in a quarter century this year, and I'm looking forward to continued growth every year to come.” 

As governor, Kaine made investments to help protect and foster the oyster industry and he continues to support policies that benefit oyster processors and watermen, including reforms to the H-2B visa program that would aid the seafood industry in Virginia. This year is Virginia’s largest oyster harvest in the past quarter-century.