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Email in opposition reprinted with permission:

Department of the Army
Norfolk District, Corps of Engineers
Attn: Mr. Mark Mansfield
Chief, Planning and Policy Branch
803 Front Street, Norfolk, Virginia 23510-1096

Subject:  Suminoe oyster (Crassostrea ariakensis); Unintended Consequences of Introducing Non-indigenous Species to Native Chesapeake Waters (Lynnhaven Inlet)

Dear Mr. Mark Mansfield,

Giving full consideration to and appreciation of a very busy schedule, which I am confident you maintain, I will attempt to be as succinct as possible regarding the subject matter.  I may or may not succeed as a matter of perspective.

It is a fair presumption that no one individual or organization has ever intentionally introduced a foreign species with the objective of doing ecological or economical spoil.  Regardless of introductory form, deliberate or inadvertent, non-native species have proven to constitute significant challenges and cost, typically in hindsight.  An exhaustive search and reference could be presented here, however, there are too many documented case studies to enumerate where this type impact adversely effected local, regional, state, and national environments.  As example:

“A native of Japan, KUDZU was brought to the southeastern United States at the turn of the century for use as a soil stabilizer, animal fodder, and ornamental vine. … Where it grows, kudzu has the ability to out-compete and eliminate native plant species and upset the natural diversity of plant and animal communities. Its extremely rapid growth rate and habit of growing over objects threatens natural areas by killing native vegetation through crowding and shading, and can seriously stifle agricultural and timber production”[1]

“Nutria (Myocaster coypus) is a non-native aquatic mammal that has inadvertently been introduced into Maryland wetlands and is proliferating, with negative impacts on natural ecosystems.”[2]

“Shortly after World War II, and before 1952, the brown Treesnake was accidentally transported from its native range in the South Pacific to Guam, probably as a stowaway in ship cargo.  As a result of abnormally abundant prey resources on Guam and the absence of natural predators and other population controls, brown Treesnake populations reached unprecedented numbers.  Snakes caused the extirpation of most of the native forest vertebrate species; thousands of power outages affecting private, commercial, and military activities; widespread loss of domestic birds and pets; and considerable emotional trauma to residents and visitors alike when snakes invaded human habitats with the potential for severe envenomation of small children.”[3]

“Zebra mussels arrived in the United States 20 years ago and quickly spread throughout the country. By 1989, they had made their way to New York; a year later, they were already causing problems.  Considered an invasive species, the tiny mollusk is notorious for clogging the intake pipes of power plants, and damaging boats and harbors. The only way to get rid of them was by using highly toxic, polluting pesticides.”[4]

As you may well know [or not] The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Agricultural Library (http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/aquatics/main.shtml) provides an extensive repository of case studies.

Suffice it to say that I am, as are a tremendous number of other local homeowners [that may not take the time/effort to send correspondence], adamantly against the proposal to introduce this foreign species, Suminoe oyster (Crassostrea ariakensis), into native waters.  History tends to prove out actions, no matter how well intended, and it is my belief that adequate history presents this proposal as a highly imprudent consideration, especially if only to bolster oyster production for the benefit of restaurantiers and retailers (greed?), as I understand the primary impetus.  The current effort by LynnhavenNOW and local volunteers is making tremendous progress revitalizing the famous Lynnhaven oyster population.  Sometimes we really don’t NEED what we think we want…

If possible, the allocated funds for this proposal could be redirected to local efforts to restore the pristine characteristics of the Lynnhaven through repopulation of native species – – just a thought.

George Santayana stated, “Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it”.  But of course, George Bernard Shaw stated, “We learn from history that we learn nothing from history”.  The choice is now yours [and others], but the decision will ultimately be your [and the USACOE] legacy.  I strongly encourage a methodical deliberation on this decision.

Respectfully submitted,
Ken Scandell
Cape Henry Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23451