(Photo : Robin Jonathan Deutsch on Unsplash)

Virginia Beach's conservation efforts span from underwater habitats to beachfront, involving key local and national organizations. These efforts aim to preserve marine life, enhance water quality, and engage the community in sustainable practices that deserve more attention!

Local Business Efforts

Let's start by highlighting the efforts of a few local businesses in  Virginia Beach that demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental conservation through various sustainable practices:

Fisherman's Wharf Marina

Fisherman's Wharf Marina, a Virginia Beach marina, has implemented proper waste disposal and recycling facilities to manage trash, oil, and other hazardous materials, preventing them from entering the water. They are also involved in local environmental initiatives, such as beach cleanups and conservation projects.

Global Technical Systems

Global Technical Systems (GTS), a Virginia-based engineering firm, has launched a state-of-the-art 560,000-square-foot manufacturing center dedicated to producing 100% green energy storage systems. This initiative not only advances green technology but also significantly contributes to the job market, positioning GTS as a leader in sustainable energy development.

Sustainable Virginia Beach and Virginia Green Program

Virginia Beach endorses the Virginia Green program, which focuses on eco-friendly tourism. It encourages local businesses to adopt greener practices, significantly reducing waste and energy use. It features the Virginia Green Travel Star Awards for notable environmental efforts, leveraging the "Virginia is for Lovers" website to guide consumers towards sustainable travel choices. Through this, Virginia Green aspires to decrease the industry's ecological footprint and promote sustainable tourism for the industry and the environment. This program is pivotal in promoting environmental stewardship in the community.

Marine Habitat Restoration by The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is dedicated to seagrass and oyster reef restoration. These ecosystems are essential for the marine environment, offering benefits like carbon sequestration and water filtration. Their restoration is key to maintaining Virginia Beach's marine biodiversity. Since 2008, working in partnership with scientists from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) and volunteers, over 72 million eelgrass seeds have been scattered over 600 acres, which has restored eelgrass meadows to over 9,500 acres of area.

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center's Conservation Programs

At the Virginia Aquarium, diverse programs target marine conservation. A few of these programs include:

  • The American 30x30 initiative aims to conserve 30% of the nation's lands and waters by 2030, addressing climate and biodiversity crises.
  • The Aquarium supports the AZA Sea Turtle SAFE Program that safeguards the world's turtles, in particular, Kemp's Ridleys and Eastern Pacific Leatherbacks.
  • As a silver partner with SECORE (Sexual Coral Reproduction), they provide them not only with financial aid but also field support for SECORE's research and other projects, like their annual workshop in Curaçao.

    Beach and Dune Restoration, Riparian Buffer Restoration

    Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) also advocates for the use of living shorelines. Their projects in beach and dune restoration, along with riparian buffer restoration, aim to combat coastal erosion and enhance water quality. Beach and dune restoration initiatives use living shorelines to stabilize the coast and protect the land against storm surges. Volunteers plant vegetation to help rebuild the dunes, which are important because they create habitats and minimize erosion. The VIMS riparian buffer restoration improves the quality of water by filtering off pollutants and serving as a habitat for wildlife. This way, VIMS focuses on natural stabilization methods rather than hard structures. Their work not only preserves Virginia's coastal landscapes but also supports the ecological balance of aquatic ecosystems.

    Oyster Restoration Efforts by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation

    The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is committed to restoring the native oyster species, Crassostrea virginica, which is crucial for the ecological and economic revitalization of the Chesapeake Bay. Historically significant, these oysters now sit at about 1% of their original population, necessitating urgent restoration efforts. Oysters filter pollutants, providing cleaner water and habitats for various marine life. CBF's initiatives include oyster gardening, where community members grow oysters to be added to sanctuary reefs. Additionally, the Save Oyster Shell program recycles shells as a foundation for new oyster habitats. Annually, the CBF processes 2,000 bushels of shells to support millions of new oysters. These efforts not only restore oyster populations but also enhance the Bay's water quality and biodiversity.

    Final Word

    From marinas to public organizations, these efforts underscore a commitment to environmental sustainability in Virginia Beach. Each plays a crucial role in preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the community. As we celebrate these initiatives, let us remember that the journey towards sustainability is ongoing. Continued dedication and collaboration from all stakeholders is necessary to sustain our progress—so we invite you to join the cause!