The Blue-Ribbon Oyster Panel is committed to restoring and sustaining Virginia’s oyster resources, recognizing their critical role in both our environment and our economy. By working together and embracing new ideas, the panel aims to tackle the long-term challenges facing oyster populations, ensuring this iconic resource remains abundant for generations to come. In addition to setting clear and realistic goals, the panel is dedicated to finding practical, effective solutions to meet them. Through collaboration with local communities, scientists, and industry leaders, the panel strives to balance conservation with the needs of those who rely on oysters for their livelihoods.

Blue-Ribbon Oyster Panel Memorandum

Members

Stefanie Taillon, Deputy Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources
The Honorable Alex Askew, Virginia House of Delegates
The Honorable Richard Stuart, Senate of Virginia
The Honorable David Marsden, Senate of Virginia
The Honorable Hillary Pugh Kent, Virginia House of Delegates
The Honorable Jamie Green, Commissioner, Virginia Marine Resources Commission
The Honorable John Cosgrove, Deputy Commissioner, Virginia Marine Resources Commission
The Honorable J.J. Minor, Former Marine Resources Commission Associate Commissioner
The Honorable Bill Pruitt, Former Marine Resources Commissioner
The Honorable Chad Ballard, Former Marine Resources Commission Associate Commissioner
The Honorable Ronald Owens, Executive Secretary, Potomac River Fisheries Commission
Dr. Jim Wesson, Virginia Marine Resources Commission
Joseph Grist, Deputy Commissioner, Marine Resources Commission
Todd Janeski, Virginia Commonwealth University
Jackie Shannon, Chesapeake Bay Foundation
AJ Erskine, Virginia Marine Resources Commission Associate Commissioner
Dr. Roger Mann, Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Tommy Kellum, W.E. Kellum Seafood
Rich Harding, Purcell’s Seafood
Ben Johnson, Johnson and Sons Seafood
Andy Lacatell, Saltwater Consulting RVA
Beverly Ludford, Pleasure House Oysters
Keith Lockwood, United States Army Corp of Engineers
Kevin Schabow, National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration
Nikki Rovner, The Nature Conservancy
Mike Congrove, Oyster Seed Holdings