Florida Sea Grant Shellfish Aquaculture Workshop

Florida Sea Grant developed a new 4-year strategic plan this spring. One of the areas covered in the FSG strategic plan is aquaculture. Not only is shellfish aquaculture an important business sector in Florida, it is unique in that there is a history of dedicated federal funding for research and extension. The aim of this workshop is to help Florida institutions acquire a substantial amount of these funds to use in solving the highest priority issues affecting the shellfish aquaculture industry. Industry members, researchers, and agency representatives can help FSG identify and prioritize these issues in greater detail than what has been done in the strategic plan. The outcome will be a solution-oriented plan that will help to guide research and information needs of the industry.

The workshop will be held on Wednesday, March 1 from 10 AM to 3 PM at the Osceola County Extension Office, located in the Osceola Heritage Park, 1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane, Kissimmee, Florida. Lunch will be provided by Florida Sea Grant.

The featured luncheon speaker is Mike Oesterling, executive director of the Shellfish Growers of Virginia, who will speak about The Shellfish Aquaculture Industry of Virginia. Virginia has become the leading producer of hard clams and Eastern oysters in the nation. The industry provides a significant economic benefit to the Commonwealth, with an annual farm-gate value approaching $50 million and a total impact close to $100 million. Prior to Mike’s current position, he served as the Virginia Sea Grant Marine Extension aquaculture specialist. Mike will provide an overview of the Virginia shellfish aquaculture industry, including production information and a list of challenges facing the industry, and will answer the question “Why has Virginia Shellfish Aquaculture been so successful?”

If you can attend and have not done so already, please register for this workshop at this link, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shellfish-aquaculture-workshop-tickets-31059776628

Also, this flyer provides more information about the workshop.

If you are unable to attend, complete the questionnaire here so your input can be included. Send your completed questionnaire to Sandi Reveille. Also if you any further questions or require more information, contact Sandi Reveille, Florida Sea Grant, PO Box 110400, Gainesville, FL 32611. Phone: (352) 392-5870, Fax: (352) 392-5113, Email: sreveille@ufl.edu

 

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