The perpetual threat of hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico emphasizes the importance of business planning and storm preparedness as an essential part of any oyster culture operation. Growers who have developed storm plans have a better chance of minimizing losses, making sound decisions before a storm, and increasing chances for rapid recovery after the storm.
Fact sheets are available which provide guidelines and suggested safety procedures in preparing for hurricane and tropical storm events. Each fact sheet focuses on storm plan development, pre-storm preparations, and post-storm recovery with specific information for different oyster culture methods (floating bags, floating cages, adjustable longlines), land-based operations (hatchery, nursery, processing facilities), and workboats.
This series was developed last year by shellfish extension specialists at University of Florida/IFAS, Auburn University Shellfish Lab, and Louisiana State University in collaboration with the Florida, Mississippi-Alabama, and Louisiana Sea Grant Programs.
Hurricane preparedness facts sheets can be accessed here.
