News

Restoring Oyster Reefs in the Big Bend Provides Many Benefits

December 4, 2015

Oysters thrive under brackish conditions, and now a University of Florida (UF) study reveals that the bivalves can actually help create the mix of fresh water and brine they crave. While evaluating a new method of restoring degraded oyster reefs, researchers confirmed an observation that Cedar Key oystermen have made for years – some oyster reefs act as natural dams, impounding fresh water that flows seaward from nearby creeks and rivers. The result – large areas of reduced-salinity water that help maintain near-shore estuarine habitats supporting oysters, sea grasses, juvenile game fish, and invertebrates important to the marine food chain

UF IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station is Underway in Cedar Key

December 4, 2015

UF IFAS has a long history in research, teaching and extension programs in the Nature Coast (Big Bend) region. These previous efforts have built a foundation on which the Nature Coast Biological Station (NCBS) will further develop the UF IFAS mission. Dr. Mike Allen, a professor of Fisheries and Aquatic Science whose research has focused on population dynamics and ecology of fishes, was appointed director of the NCBS. He is working to build the research, outreach, and teaching programs to improve conservation, management, and sustainability of natural resources in this region.

Genetic Health of Wild and Cultured Florida Clam Stocks

December 4, 2015

So how much genetic diversity is present in hard clam hatchery stocks in Florida relative to the state’s wild populations? This was the focus of research conducted by Dr. James Austin and his doctoral student, John Hargrove, with the UF IFAS Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. In order to address this question, samples were collected from six commercial clam hatcheries along with four wild populations sourced from the east coast of Florida. A standardized set of genetic markers was used to test if there were significant differences among the various sources.

Free Webinar – Growing Your Aquaculture Business: Is It Time to Expand or Diversify?

November 9, 2015

The National Aquaculture Association is hosting a free one-hour webinar, Growing Your Aquaculture Business: Is It Time to Expand or Diversify? on November 10th, which will discuss aquaculture business decisions as to whether it is time for the business to either expand or diversify into a new crop, a new product, or a new market. The focus of the webinar will be on the key factors that need to be considered to decide whether such steps would be economically advantageous for the aquaculture business.

Results of 2014-15 ARC Projects Presented

November 2, 2015

Results of two 2014-15 Florida Aquaculture Projects, conducted by the Shellfish Aquaculture Extension Program in collaboration with other UF faculty and funded by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, were presented to the Aquaculture Review Council in Bartow on October 6. Presentations of both projects can be accessed below as PDF files. Evaluating the Efficacy of Several Net Coatings in Reducing Biofouling on Culture Gear and Increasing Hard Clam Production in Florida.pdf “Green” Clams: Assessing, Quantifying, and Promoting the Value of Ecosystem Services Provided by the Florida Hard Clam Aquaculture Industry.pdf

Florida Clams Website is Launched

October 5, 2015

The Florida Clams website was developed by the UF IFAS Shellfish Aquaculture Extension Program, in partnership with the Florida shellfish aquaculture industry, to promote cultured clams as an environmentally friendly and sustainable seafood product. With funding provided by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Aquaculture, the site informs buyers, consumers, and resource managers on how clams are grown, environmental benefits of the industry, where to buy clams, how to buy and prepare clams, and much more. To visit this new website, go to www.flaclams.com.

Office of Aquaculture Seeks Comments on Draft Marine Aquaculture Strategic Plan

October 5, 2015

The Office of Aquaculture seeks public input on the Draft NOAA Fisheries FY 2016-2020 Strategic Plan for Marine Aquaculture. Comments will be accepted 30 days, ending October 22, 2015. The Plan identifies objectives and strategies associated with four strategic goals: Regulatory Efficiency, Tools for Management, Technology Development and Transfer, and an Informed Public. The Plan will guide NOAA Fisheries’ efforts to advance responsible U.S. marine aquaculture.

Marketing Cultured Oysters Video Available

October 5, 2015

The Marketing Cultured Oysters Workshop held at the FSU Coastal and Marine Laboratory on May 6th was videotaped and can now be viewed at the Oyster Culture Topic Page of the website (http://shellfish.ifas.ufl.edu/oyster-culture/). Topics, such as niche marketing, marketing strategies to target key buyers, promotional materials for marketing Florida oysters, and harvesting and processing requirements for oysters during the summer months were presented by Robert Rheault, Executive Director of the East Coast Shellfish Growers Association; Martin May, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS), Bureau of Seafood and Aquaculture Marketing; and, Kim Norgren, DACS Division of Aquaculture.

Coastal Cleanup set for September 19

September 14, 2015

The 30th Annual International Coastal Cleanup, taking place on September 19th 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. An astounding 560,000 volunteers in 91 countries picked up more than 16 million pounds of trash from the shores of lakes, streams, rivers, and the ocean on just one day in last year’s International Coastal Cleanup.

New FL Sales Tax Exemptions for Agriculture

August 27, 2015

During the 2015 state legislative session, several new Florida Sales Tax Exemptions for Agriculture were passed with direct application to aquaculture. The following is an excerpt from House Bill 33 that became effective July 1, 2015. “Livestock” includes all animals raised for commercial purposes. The term “livestock” also includes all aquaculture products, as defined in s. 597.0015 Florida Statutes (F.S.), and identified by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services pursuant to s. 597.003 F.S.

Restoring Oyster Reefs in the Big Bend Provides Many Benefits

UF IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station is Underway in Cedar Key

Genetic Health of Wild and Cultured Florida Clam Stocks

Free Webinar – Growing Your Aquaculture Business: Is It Time to Expand or Diversify?

Results of 2014-15 ARC Projects Presented

Florida Clams Website is Launched

Office of Aquaculture Seeks Comments on Draft Marine Aquaculture Strategic Plan

Marketing Cultured Oysters Video Available

Coastal Cleanup set for September 19

New FL Sales Tax Exemptions for Agriculture

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