Commercial Waterman Safety Week

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth’s commercial watermen and seafood industry generate over $1 billion in economic impact to the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, every year, more than 1,500 commercial watermen risk their lives sustaining a tradition passed down through generations; and

WHEREAS, commercial watermen landings, including scallops, clams, blue crab, oysters, flounder, mackerel, menhaden, and other species are integral to the culinary industry, but also around the world; and

WHEREAS, Virginia stands as the largest seafood producer on the East Coast based on volume of landings; and

WHEREAS, the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries have served as a vital workplace since the 1600s, and it’s imperative we ensure commercial watermen have access to a secure and safe work environment; and

WHEREAS, the livelihoods of commercial watermen depend on a safe and productive workplace; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth aims to raise awareness about the safety and well-being of commercial watermen, emphasizing the importance of safe watercraft operations; and

WHEREAS, existing policies, informed by Virginia’s robust scientific community, including the Virginia Marine Resources Commission and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, strive to make Virginia’s seafood industry and the work of commercial watermen a sustainable practice for the future; and

WHEREAS, legislation was passed in the 2024 General Assembly and signed by the Governor to increase penalties for those who interfere with or impede commercial watermen; and

WHEREAS, citizens are encouraged to continue to engage in recreational fishing activities while respecting the operations of commercial watermen;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize September 15-21, 2024, as COMMERCIAL WATERMEN SAFETY WEEK in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations