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The Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) can provide shellfish growers with catastrophic coverage for losses due to natural disasters. NAP is sold and serviced by your local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) office. To find your county office, go to https://www.fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/Florida/index. The basic catastrophic policy (CAT) provides coverage at 50% of the value of your inventory at 55% of the FSA established price. NAP is affordable at $325 administrative fee for a CAT policy and FSA will waive this fee for beginning, veteran, historically underserved and limited resource farmers. Growers can purchase additional coverage at 50%, 55%, 60% and

ATTENTION FLORIDA SHELLFISH GROWERS Matthew Ajemian with Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at FAU is studying LARGE PREDATOR INTERACTIONS WITH SHELLFISH AQUACULTURE and would like shellfish growers to participate in a research study. The purpose of the study is to better understand interactions between large predators (fish, sharks, rays, and sea turtles) and the shellfish industry in Florida. A survey, completed by shellfish growers, will help to identify the extent and types of interactions being observed around the state, and guide experiments to explore mitigation methods, should they be deemed necessary. It should take no more than 10 minutes to complete

An exciting new “soup-to-nuts” online training program will allow entry-level farm workers to gain the skills and knowledge they need to be successful farm hands. The online program is tailored to Rhode Island but includes broad information that can be used across the region. The course provides visually appealing info-rich video modules, with contributions from knowledgeable and seasoned instructors within the aquaculture industry. Modules include instruction on knot-tying, boating safety, basic shellfish biology, distribution and food safety, marketing, shucking, safe-lifting practices and much more. “Much of the training is devoted to teaching folks how to avoid the many ways you

Join food safety specialists from Florida and Virginia Sea Grant on June 23 for a one-day online course to receive essential Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) training for fish and fishery products. This Segment II course is designed for seafood processing and importing industry members and regulatory officials who have already completed the Segment I course. The cost to participate is $165, and includes the cost of your AFDO certificate upon successful completion of the course. Segment II of the Seafood HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) online training course reviews the principles of HACCP, the FDA

Florida’s Big Bend is one of the last places in Florida with wide swaths of undeveloped coastline. Here, natural shorelines mix with abundant wildlife and clean water to produce amazing visitor experiences. But many visitors might miss the hidden world of shellfish fisheries that contribute a rich history and culture to the area. Thanks to new self-guided tours made in collaboration with UF IFAS Shellfish Extension and UF IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station, visitors can unlock the secrets of shellfish! The Big Bend Shellfish Trail covers five coastal counties from Levy to Wakulla. The BBST website has great information about

The new off-bottom oyster aquaculture industry in Florida faces many challenges, such as limited seed availability and year-round need for biofouling control. Risks, such as storms and hurricanes, and economic feasibility are still being assessed. Further, recent unexplained oyster mortalities experienced by growers in late spring and early summer have resulted in losses of 50 to 90% of adult oysters reaching market size. This is not just a Florida issue but a problem facing growers in the Gulf of Mexico and Southeastern US. In response to industry concerns, a monitoring and assessment plan was initiated in 2020 to examine relationships

The 5th Annual Oyster South Symposium is being held on April 5-7, 2022 in Biloxi, North Mississippi. Sponsored by Oyster South, Inc. (a non-profit dedicated to advancing oyster aquaculture in the southern US), this event brings together producers, gear suppliers, distributors, chefs, food writers, vendors, researchers, students and managers from the southeast region to discuss pressing issues and relevant, practical research on oyster aquaculture. Registration is now open. Meeting fees are based on current membership and industry role. Current Oyster South paid members will receive heavily discounted registration, with 20% off by entering a code that you will be emailed! Don’t wait to buy tickets, as

The Aquaculture Phytoplankton Monitoring Network (AQPMN) is currently recruiting shellfish aquaculture farms and organizations along the Gulf Coast to participate in their volunteer-based network. Participating hatcheries and growers will receive training on methods to collect and identify local phytoplankton and potential HAB species. Additionally, NOAA will provide all supplies required for program participation,  including plankton nets, thermometers, salt refractometers and digital microscopes free of charge. For additional information, see the attached East Coast Shellfish Growers Association newsletter article here. Contact Nia Rene, AQPMN Coordinator, at nia.rene@noaa.gov to join the network.