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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
When It Rains It Pours! A Whirlwind Start to Life with the JRA
It’s hard to believe it has been almost half a year since I came onboard with the James River Association as Lead Policy Advocate, and time has certainly flown. In these first few months, I have had the pleasure (in no particular order) of getting out on the river...
Press Release: The James River is Healthier but Actions are Still Necessary
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 26, 2023 CONTACT:Erin Hillert, Director of CommunicationsJames River AssociationCell: 608.239.2644 | Email: ehillert@thejamesriver.orgThe James River is Healthier but Actions are Still Necessary The James River...
