The number of oysters planted and sold by Virginia aquaculturists increased last year despite the sluggish economy.
The uptick is perhaps the most positive conclusion from a report on the state's oyster and clam growing operations.
"Declines in the overall economy negatively impacted Virginia clam sales nationwide at both retail and food service," said Tom Murray, a marine business specialist at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, who co-wrote the report.
Clam growers have established a foothold in Virginia, especially on the Eastern Shore. They reported $21.7 million in sales last year, a $5.6 million drop from 2008.
The 42 clam growers who responded represent about 90 percent of the state's total clam producers. They reported a 29 percent drop in full-time employees — from 172 to 122 — and added 16 part-time workers, a 21 percent increase.
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Photo by Carolyn Cole, Los Angeles Times via Motivatit Seafoods Inc.