News

The potential for commercial aquaculture development of the angelwing clam Cyrtopleura costata, a burrowing bivalve found along the US Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts, was reexamined. Studies conducted in the 1980s demonstrated angelwings could be spawned using hatchery methods similar to those for commercial bivalve species. Preliminary results also indicated angelwings grow rapidly and could reach a potential harvest size in six months. However, the lack of economical production methods and harvesting techniques stymied further consideration of angelwings as an aquaculture candidate species. Despite its excellent flavor and attractive shell, another drawback was its short shelf life as most

The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has significantly expanded the Emergency Livestock, Honey Bees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) to include a greater variety of aquatic species, including clams and oysters. ELAP provides financial assistance to eligible producers for losses due to disease, certain adverse weather events or loss conditions, including losses from excessive wind, excessive heat, floods, hurricane, and tidal surge, as determined by the USDA Secretary. Producers can receive benefits from both NAP and ELAP for eligible losses covered by each program. FSA has posted a recording of a webinar held in June to inform the aquaculture community

Shellfish growers are now eligible for a new disaster assistance program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Farm Service Agency, is hosting a webinar regarding updates to the Emergency Livestock, Honey Bees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP). ELAP provides financial assistance to eligible producers of livestock, honeybees and farm-raised aquatic animals for livestock and feed losses due to disease, certain adverse weather events or loss conditions as determined by the Secretary. This webinar provides an opportunity for US shellfish aquaculture industries to learn about recent changes to the ELAP program, general application process, and required documentation to participate. The webinar

The Nature Conservancy and The Pew Charitable Trusts’ Supporting Oyster Aquaculture and Restoration (SOAR) program issued on March 29, 2021  a request for proposals for the new $1 million Shellfish Growers Resiliency Fund (Fund). The Fund aims to pave the way for a more resilient and sustainable U.S. shellfish industry that benefits the ocean and the communities which rely upon it. Funding will be open to applicants in the United States and will be distributed equitably. The small award will fund one-year projects (up to $20,000) and will target shellfish growers, shellfish aquaculture industry associations, and closely linked supply chain companies supporting

Florida cultured oysters, Treasure Coast Oysters, and Dr. Ashley Smyth, a University of Florida biogeochemist, were featured in a recent segment of Mission Unstoppable.  Learn how oysters help to clean up the coastal environment!   https://youtu.be/ucHRaQCDQFI