                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

RIGHTS OF OWNER TO WATERS WITHIN LAWFUL SURVEY (§ 28.2-629)

If any creek, cove, or inlet within the jurisdiction of this Commonwealth flows
into or runs through the lands of any person, is less than 100 yards in width at
mean low water, and is comprised within the limits of his lawful survey, as
defined in § 28.2-1202, such person or other lawful occupant shall have the
exclusive right to use the creek, cove, or inlet for sowing or planting oysters
or other shellfish. However, in the County of Mathews the owners or lawful
occupants of land on both sides of any creek, cove, or inlet, except Horn
Harbor, Winter Harbor, and Milford Haven, suitable for the planting of oysters,
above the point where such creek, cove, or inlet is 100 yards in width, shall
have the exclusive right to use such creek, cove, or inlet for planting oysters.
The right of the owners or occupants of land on the opposite sides of such
creek, cove, or inlet extends to the middle of the channel.

HISTORY: Code 1950, § 28-132; 1962, c. 406, § 28.1-116; 1964, c. 393; 1966, c.
656; 1968, cc. 659, 747; 1972, c. 539; 1992, c. 836.