The project purpose is to support ecologically sound, science-based finfish conservation and management decisions

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission received a Formula Grant award of $504,084.00 from the U.S. Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Region 5 under the Sport Fish Restoration program (CFDA 15.605), effective July 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026. This award supports ecologically sound, science-based finfish conservation and management decisions for the Chesapeake Bay, with activities focused on the Virginia portion of the estuary. The grant funds data collection, research, and monitoring activities designed to assess the health, abundance, and distribution of fish populations within the Bay region.

The expected outcomes of this award include maintaining healthy and sustainable fish populations within biological and cultural limits, directly supporting the Sport Fish Restoration program's core mission of restoring and conserving sport fish resources. The Virginia Marine Resources Commission will deliver these services without subrecipient activities, with the primary beneficiaries being the general public who utilize and appreciate these natural resources. This award represents continued federal support for Virginia's fisheries management capacity and aligns with the broader regional effort to ensure sustainable recreational and commercial fishing opportunities in the Chesapeake Bay.

Activities to be performed include data collection, research and monitoring on the health, abundance, and distribution of chesapeake BAY fishes focusing on the virginia portion of the estuary. Expected outcomes include maintaining healthy and sustainable populations of fishes within biological and cultural limits, which supports the goals of the u. S. Fish wildlife, sport fish restoration program. Intended beneficiaries are the public who use and appreciate these natural resources. There are no subrecipient activities.