This project allowed for large-scale demonstration and evaluation of an oyster breeding process to local conditions on Florida’s west coast by oyster growers. The objectives were two-fold:

1. Document production performance, assess health, and evaluate the quality (sensory characteristics) of diploid (2N) and triploid (3N) oysters under commercial conditions, and
2. Quantify the effects of different culture methods, salinity regimes, and seasonal harvests.

SCOPE OF WORK: 

Oysters from two ploidy types (triploids – 3N and diploids – 2N) and two seasonal spawns (spring and fall) were provided to certified growers, who obtained approval from DACS to culture oysters on their shellfish aquaculture leases. Ten growers in five west coast counties (Charlotte, Franklin, Lee, Levy, and Wakulla) used a variety of culture systems (floating bags, floating cages, bottom cages, and adjustable lone lines), which allowed for evaluation of site and gear interaction on ploidy type. University of Florida (UF) faculty also cultured oysters at their experimental lease off Cedar Key to document growth and survival and evaluate gear types, stocking densities, and antifouling coatings.

PROJECT TEAM:

• Leslie Sturmer, University of Florida (UF)/IFAS Extension, Florida Sea Grant
• Chuck Adams and Rusty Dames, UF/IFAS Florida Sea Grant, Food Resource and Economics
• Charles Sims, UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department
• Huiping Yang, UF/IFAS SFRC, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• Susan Laramore, Florida Atlantic University, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
• Cedar Key Aquaculture Association and oyster growers located in several counties

TIME PERIOD: 2016–2018  FUNDED BY: NOAA National Sea Grant Aquaculture Technology Transfer

View Final Report here (PDF File)