May 26, 2013 — Omega allows the Marine Resources Commission to stockpile oyster shells at, and orchestrate the oyster restoration work from, their Fairport facility at no compensation. This permits shell plantings in the Great Wicomico, Tangier, and Pocomoke Sounds to be done for a fraction the cost of having to transport, by boat, the shells from sources on other areas of the Bay.
I would like to thank Omega Protein and its management in Reedville for their contribution to the Virginia Oyster Replenishment effort.
Omega allows the Marine Resources Commission to stockpile oyster shells at, and orchestrate the oyster restoration work from, their Fairport facility at no compensation. This permits shell plantings in the Great Wicomico, Tangier, and Pocomoke Sounds to be done for a fraction the cost of having to transport, by boat, the shells from sources on other areas of the Bay. The oyster industry and the Bay's ecosystem are currently enjoying the fruits of previous replenishment undertakings conducted out of the Omega location.
In a time when it seems easy to criticize Omega, I think it is important to recognize one of the many contributions they make to the Bay community, particularly one that is environmental as well as economic.
Read the letter at the Newport News Daily Press