# Va. Code Ann. § 28.2-542: Oyster Replenishment Fund

> Virginia · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T28.2_SII_C5_A3_S28.2-542

## Section

- **Citation:** Va. Code Ann. § 28.2-542
- **Heading:** Oyster Replenishment Fund
- **Jurisdiction:** Virginia
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Virginia Code / Title 28.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 28.2-542

## Text

A. All oyster resource user fees collected by the Commission and any gifts, donations, grants, bequests, and other funds received in support of oyster recycling and replenishment and all funds appropriated for such purpose shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the Oyster Replenishment Fund, to be used only (i) for administration of the program; (ii) for oyster replenishment projects, including recycling, planting, and replanting the public oyster rocks, beds, and shoals of the Commonwealth with seed oysters, oyster shells, or other material that will catch, support, and grow oysters and oyster populations; and (iii) to encourage donations of oyster shells for such oyster replenishment projects. These funds shall be withdrawn and expended for such purposes on the order of the Commission. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrant of the Comptroller issued on vouchers signed by persons designated by the Commission.

B. The method of distribution of funds available for the encouragement of oyster shell donations shall be determined by the Commission. The Commission shall consider providing grants to any person who donates oyster shells to an organization exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code that is engaged in oyster replenishment projects. Such grants may be awarded in an amount equal to $4 per bushel of oyster shells, as described in § 28.2-526 , donated during a calendar year but not to exceed an aggregate grant of $1,500 for all such donations made by such person during such year. The aggregate amount of funds available for such encouragement of oyster shell donations for each calendar year shall be determined by the Commission, but shall not exceed $250,000.

1962, cc. 406, 636, §§ 28.1-94, 28.1-94.1; 1992, c. 836; 2013, c. 38 ; 2023, cc. 747 , 770 .

## Nearby sections

- [Va. Code Ann. § 28.2-538 Record of oysters handled; penalty](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T28.2_SII_C5_A3_S28.2-538.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 28.2-539 Repealed](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T28.2_SII_C5_A3_S28.2-539.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 28.2-541 Oyster resource user fees](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T28.2_SII_C5_A3_S28.2-541.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 28.2-542 Oyster Replenishment Fund](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T28.2_SII_C5_A3_S28.2-542.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 28.2-543 Repealed](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T28.2_SII_C5_A3_S28.2-543.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 28.2-546 Permit to carry oysters out of state](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T28.2_SII_C5_A3_S28.2-546.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 28.2-547 Authority to inspect oysters when loaded on conveyance](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T28.2_SII_C5_A3_S28.2-547.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 28.2-548 Duty to inspect](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T28.2_SII_C5_A3_S28.2-548.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 28.2-549 Violations; recovery of oyster resource user fees; penalties](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T28.2_SII_C5_A3_S28.2-549.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 28.2-550 Authority of Commissioner to make certain contracts; funds received to be paid into Oyster Replenishment Fund](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T28.2_SII_C5_A3_S28.2-550.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T28.2_SII_C5_A3_S28.2-542. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.