The Division's goal is to provide the maximum benefit and long-term use of the Commonwealth's finfish and shellfish resources through conservation and enhancement. The Division's Fisheries Plans and Statistics Department monitors Virginia's finfish and shellfish fisheries and provides this information for management purposes.
Fishermen report daily harvest monthly.
Oyster data are gathered from a mandatory Oyster Tax and Harvest Reporting system. The criteria for setting priorities for fishery management plan development are status of the stock, status of knowledge of the species, and landings volume and value. These plans are based on the best biological and socioeconomic information available. Fisheries Management Advisory Committees, composed of representatives of fisheries interest groups, have been appointed by the Commissioner of the Marine Resources Commission to help in the preparation and carrying out of fisheries management plans. Fishery management plans for oyster, blue crab, shad and herring, striped bass, weakfish, bluefish, spotted sea trout, black drum, and red drum, spot and croaker have been completed.