Senator Kaine Visits VIMS
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U.S. Senator
The visit was part of the Senator's two-week tour of key sites throughout
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Wells began the tour with a brief overview of VIMS, which touched on the Institute's mandated role as a scientific advisor to the Commonwealth; the effects of recent and upcoming budget cuts; and the important role that graduate students in William &
Sea-Level Rise
Kaine and his staffers then visited
"Seeing VIMS' research underscores that sea-level rise is a today issue in this region, not a tomorrow issue," said Kaine. "We're dealing with the effects of climate change every day in
Blue Crabs
Kaine next met with Professor
"It's very clear that the population responded to the management actions," said Lipcius. "The female segment of the population went up right after they went into place, very close to what we consider the target--just where we would like to be with the most productive state of the fishery."
Unfortunately, that population spike did not persist, with the number of female blue crabs in the Bay dropping to troubling levels again in 2012. Lipcius attributes the observed decline to a "once-in-a-50-year explosion of red drum," a voracious blue crab predator, along with background predation by other fish such as striped bass and blue catfish.
"The management actions that were implemented are working," said Lipcius, "but now we are suffering from the vagaries of the environment. The scientific community and the managers are cautiously optimistic about the blue crab recovery, but we know that we need to continue risk-adverse management. We did see a small increase in females last year, and hope to see that continue."
Oyster Restoration
Kaine's final visit was to the laboratory of Professor
"Long-term collaborative efforts between VIMS and VMRC have led to an increased understanding of both dynamic processes," said Mann, "and we now manage resources on a river-specific basis to maximize production while stabilizing the underlying habitat."
Responding to fiscal questions from reporters following his visit, Kaine made a strong case for support of VIMS and other scientific institutions in
"We have to find ways to develop other industries so that we are not overly reliant on federal investment," said Kaine. "Investment of a public research dollar that helps a private aquaculture business grow is part of diversifying the economy. What we see with aquaculture in
Kaine also told the VIMS researchers about the importance he places on using science to inform policymaking. "You served me as Governor exactly in accord with your mission as science advisors," said Kaine. In two particular instances--closing the dredge fishery for blue crabs and deciding against introduction of a non-native oyster--Kaine noted the science pointed to decisions that were politically difficult, but have benefitted the Commonwealth in the long run.
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