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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
2017 General Assembly Update
As the 2017 General Assembly Session comes to an end, we want to thank you for all of your help. Whether you joined us for Clean Water Lobby Day or reached out to your legislators during pivotal moments, you helped us to keep the issues affecting the James River front...
Tell Legislators: Protect Our Waters from Coal Ash Toxins
You helped us usher this bill through the Senate of Virginia, and now that it has crossed over to the House of Delegates we need your help again! Senate Bill 1398 is an important piece of legislation that will ensure responsible and safe closure of coal ash ponds in...
