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The overall grade of the 2025 State of the James has improved to a B with a score of 68% from its failing health decades ago. Although the pace of progress has slowed, a grade-A James River is possible if we keep up our collective efforts and continue to address key issues together. However, the 2023 American shad stock assessment by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science found that populations of American shad in the James are at an all-time low. Given the dire situation, JRA fought for funding to develop an emergency recovery plan that identified immediate actions that could be taken to improve the American shad fishery in the James River. This plan will be delivered to Virginia Legislators in the fall of 2023 with more actions to follow, but it will take a long-term and sustained effort to bring American shad in the James River back from the brink of collapse.
Advocacy News
James River Association reacts to proposed elimination of Chesapeake Bay Program funding
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 16, 2017 CONTACT: Bill Street Chief Executive Officer (804) 788-8811 bstreet@jrava.org James River Association reacts to proposed elimination of Chesapeake Bay Program funding This morning, the President released his proposed budget...
Upper James Scenic River Designation
The James River Association commends the Virginia General Assembly for passing Senate Bill 1196 and House Bill 1454, which extend Scenic River designation on the Upper James River from 14 miles to 59 miles.
