During 2017 – 19, applied field trials were conducted by University of Florida/IFAS to continue 1) evaluating various gear types and management practices and 2) documenting annual and seasonal oyster production on an experimental lease off Cedar Key. In collaboration with Sea Grant agents and industry partners from the Southeast US and Gulf of Mexico, effects of biofouling control methods for floating cages, such as flipping regimes and biocide-free, antifouling coatings, were evaluated. Oyster performance and biofouling control using floating cages and floating bags were also compared. In another replicated study, survival and growth of oysters stocked from 175 to 250 per floating bag were documented.
