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Offshore oyster reefs along the Big Bend coast of Florida have declined by 88% during the last 30 years, with the most likely mechanism being repeated die-offs due to predation and disease during high salinity periods, driven by episodic and increasing periods of reduced freshwater input to estuaries. These die-off events have led to a conversion from shell to sandbar substrate and rapid loss of elevation (about 3 inches per year). This process appears to be nonreversible, because oyster spat are unable to colonize sandy substrate. A pilot project conducted by University of Florida researchers and funded by grants from

For nearly 50 years, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Sea Grant College Program (NSGCP) has invested in the development of sustainable marine aquaculture businesses. Sea Grant will likely be investing $50 to $100 million in aquaculture research and technology transfer over the next 10 years. A clear vision will help guide strategic investments to support and expand the aquaculture industry. In March 2016, the Sea Grant Association established a committee to develop a 10-year vision for aquaculture investments by NOAA’s NSGCP. The purpose of this 10-year vision is to (1) determine Sea Grant’s most appropriate roles over

The United States Aquaculture Society, National Aquaculture Association and North Central Regional Aquaculture Center are offering a free webinar entitled, Seafood in the Diet: Benefits and Risks – Farm-Raised and Wild. Although there is a growing body of evidence that consuming more seafood is essential to maintaining good health, annual average per capita seafood consumption in the United States dropped significantly in 2011 – 2014. The United States Department of Agriculture 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines strongly recommend two seafood meals per week and most other health related organizations including the American Heart Association and the National Academy of Sciences have similar

The United States Aquaculture Society, North Central Regional Aquaculture Center and National Aquaculture Association, are offering a free webinar for oyster farmers about branding opportunities in a growing oyster market with an increasing number of varieties. To help oyster farmers sort out opportunities and pitfalls of branding, this webinar will feature a panel of experts, including Rowan Jacobsen, author of The Essential Oyster, Beth Walton, executive director of Oyster South, Bryan Rackley, co-owner and shellfish manager of Kimball House, and Bill Walton, Associate Professor with the Auburn University’s School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences. This informative webinar will cover: Potential value of branding

The October 2016 issue of the Florida Trend magazine features aquaculture in their cover story, entitled Pompano and circumstance. According to the article, aquaculture has become the fastest-growing form of food production globally — in 2013, production of fish and other seafood eclipsed production of beef. In the United States, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, the nation’s aquaculture support entity, wants to expand the volume of U.S. ocean-species production by at least 50% in the next four years. In Florida, however, aquaculture has a way to go. The state has well-established operations producing tilapia, sturgeon (for caviar), alligators, catfish,

The Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), administered by the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), provides financial assistance to growers of non-insurable crops to protect against natural disasters that result in crop losses. NAP provides catastrophic level (CAT) coverage based on the amount of loss that exceeds 50% of expected production at 55% of the average market price for the crop. The 2014 Farm Bill authorizes additional coverage levels ranging from 50 to 65% of production, in 5% increments, at 100% of the average market price. Additional coverage must be elected by a grower by the application closing date. Growers who elect

The 31st Annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), taking place on September 17th this year, is the world’s largest volunteer effort to help protect the ocean. Sponsored by the Ocean Conservancy, it has become the world’s largest volunteer effort for ocean health. More than 18 million pounds of trash was collected by nearly 800,000 volunteers from the shores of lakes, streams, rivers, and the ocean on just one day in last year’s ICC. They have recorded every item found, providing a clear picture of the manufactured items impacting the health of humans, wildlife, and economies. The body of data from the ICC

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