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Interest in oyster culture has recently been spurred on by decreased supplies from the fisheries and higher dockside prices, resulting in a favorable economic outlook. Additionally, the infrastructure provided by the hard clam culture industry supports development of new species for culture as well as serves as a model for Florida’s oyster industry in their recovery efforts. To assist in these efforts, the Florida Governor and Cabinet began in 2013 approving modification of clam leases, in which only six inches above the bottom substrate are allowed for culture activities, enabling growers full use of the water column for culturing oysters.

The annual Virginia cultured shellfish assessment is available online in which a slight decline of 11% in 2015 oyster sales and a 25% reduction in clam harvests are reported, probably tied to the unusually brutal winter conditions last year. Even with these declines, Virginia remains the East Coast leader in cultured shellfish with well over $48.3M in sales. The survey conducted by the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences (VIMS) shows hard clam sales of $32.3 million and $16 million in oyster sales. The values are according to the 10th annual Virginia Shellfish Aquaculture Situation and Outlook Report. The survey and report

Governor Rick Scott has approved a legislative bill that will allow the use of handheld or hand-drawn hydraulically or mechanically operated devices in harvesting cultured clams from aquaculture leases. The bill (SB 1318) introduced by Senator Charles Dean passed overwhelmingly in the 2016 Florida Legislative Session. A companion bill (HB 489) was introduced by Representative Brad Drake. Detailed information on Senate Bill 1318: Shellfish Harvesting can be found here. The amendment to the Florida Aquaculture Policy Act (Chapter 597.010, F.S.) will become effective July 1, 2016. At that time, according to DACS Division of Aquaculture officials, clam growers may begin using these

Molluscan shellfish aquaculture provides high quality and high value seafood for human consumption, and mollusks provide environmentally beneficial ecosystem services. In the past five decades, global fisheries and aquaculture have grown steadily, and seafood consumption per capita has increased. Molluscan shellfish has traditionally been a major component of world aquaculture. Today, mollusks are cultured in 76 countries. In the United States, molluscan aquaculture is a $329 million industry involving 756 farms in 18 states. An 8-page fact sheet written by UF/IFAS faculty provides a review of molluscan shellfish aquaculture and production worldwide and in the United States. Molluscan shellfish habitats,

All Aquaculture Certificates of Registration (“AQ cards”) will expire on June 30th. Renewal information will be mailed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Division of Aquaculture prior to May 1st, this includes a preprinted application and notice of $100 fee. Any applicant working with shellfish must complete the Harvester Education Training and submit a copy of their certificate of training along with the application. Applications and fees must be returned by June 30th to avoid a lapse in certification. They may be submitted via mail: FDACS, P.O. Box 6710, Tallahassee, FL 32314-6710, with a check or