Aquaculture is a large and rapidly growing industry on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.  Annual revenues from aquaculture on the Eastern Shore are presently estimated to be over 40 million dollars with hundreds of local citizens being employed in this industry.  Northampton county is presently the top clam producing county in the United States.  Oyster aquaculture is beginning to take off with huge increases expected in this segment of the aquaculture industry.  Aquaculture is listed as one of the major engines for economic development in the Northampton County Comprehensive Plan.  And all this economic benefit is being derived from a sustainable industry that acutally improves the quality of our tidal waters.  The one thing that aquaculture absolutely requires is clean water.  Institution of the proposed Aquaculture Enhancement Zone on the Eastern Shore of Virginia will help in the effort to maintain our tidal water quality and allow the economic benefits of aquaculture to be fully realized.