News

Addressing Cultured Oyster Mortalities: Project Results

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

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5th Annual Oyster South Symposium

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

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NOAA Offers Hatcheries Training and Help with Monitoring Harmful Algal Blooms

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.

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Clams

UF/IFAS awarded grant to boost shellfish aquaculture and water quality initiatives

Shellfish like clams and oysters can help restore ocean health and support economic development and food production in coastal communities worldwide. A scientist at UF/IFAS has partnered with UF research and extension faculty on a $100,000 grant awarded by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) as part of the new Supporting Oyster Aquaculture and Restoration (SOAR) Shellfish Growers Resiliency Fund. Through the grant,  scientists plan to quantify the ecosystem benefits of bivalve aquaculture, specifically assessing the use of oysters and clams. Researchers also will explore how to integrate shellfish into water quality policies in the state. “The grant will help pave the way

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Gulf Coast Grown

Session 4 – Harvesting a Crop of Oysters – is Now Available

The fourth session Harvesting a Crop of Oysters of this Online Course is now available. The session starts off with an overview of harvest regulations (coming soon) provided by a representative from FDA, the agency which provides federal oversight. Also, aquaculture practices before, during, and after harvest in managing risks associated with consumption of raw oysters are introduced to ensure a safe product. Next, executive directors from two industry organizations – Oyster South and East Coast Shellfish Growers Association – share their expertise in what it takes to develop a plan to market and brand your oysters. In addition, resources

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COVID-19 RESOURCES FOR SHELLFISH GROWERS

Resources are available to help the shellfish aquaculture industry and others develop preparedness plans and strengthen response to different scenarios. Information is current on the date posted. Access websites below for up-to-date information. November 22, 2021 Deadline to Apply for USDA Pandemic Response and Safety (PRS) Grant Program is November 22 The PRS program provides grants to specialist crop producers, food processors, distributors, and manufacturers with COVID-19 expenses by recovering funds used to respond to the pandemic. Although the deadline to apply is in just a few days (11:59 pm Eastern Time on November 22), the application only takes 3

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