My family and I have regularly canoed, fished, and surveyed marine life on the seaside of Virginia's Eastern Shore for more than 20 years. In addition, we have brought hundreds of families with young children to these areas to explore, enjoy and learn about our beautiful and bountiful marine environment.

Over the years we have  noticed a deterioration in water quality and the accompanying notices "Area closed to shellfishing."  This is sad and unnecessary, as well as embarassing when you are "showing off" an area to others. Obviously, clean water is the prerequesite for a healthy marine environment, with all the aesthetic and economic benefits that brings.

Please put in place stong regulations to protect our water quality.