Shellfish Aquaculture Gear Management Workshop

September 12, 2018

Techniques and strategies to prevent gear loss were discussed at this workshop on shellfish aquaculture gear management. Hosted by the FDACS Division of Aquaculture, the workshop was held in partnership with the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and NOAA’s Marine Debris Program. Guest speakers included Charles Grisafi, of NOAA’s Marine Debris Program, and Bob Rheault, Executive Director of the East Coast Shellfish Growers Association. Dr. Bill Walton, MS-AL Sea Grant, and Leslie Sturmer, UF-IFAS led panel discussions on oyster and clam gear management techniques which featured farmers and their personal experiences.

Agenda and Presentations

Topics and guest speakers included:

• Session 1 featuring Oyster Panel
  • Welcome and Outline of Workshop Schedule, Charlie Culpepper, FDACS
  • Opening Remarks, Lisa Marshall, Regional Director for Senator Bill Nelson
  • NOAA Marine Debris Program Overview, Charles Grisafi, NOAA
  • Shellfish Aquaculture Debris Prevention BMPs, Charlie Culpepper, FDACS
  • Oyster Aquaculture Gear Management and Storm Preparation Strategies, Dr. Bill Walton, MS-AL Sea Grant; Jeff and Reid Tilley, Oyster Boss, LLC.; Denita Sassor, Outlaw Oyster Co
• Session 2 featuring Clam Panel
  • Clam Aquaculture Gear Management and Storm Preparation Strategies, Leslie Sturmer, FL Sea Grant; Craig Parks, B&E Seafood; Chad O’Steen and Joe Cannon, Cedar Key Aquaculture Farms 
  • Lease Stewardship and Public Perception of Shellfish Aquaculture, Bob Rheault, ECSGA 
  • Review of Recent Marine Debris Survey, Mark DeHaven, FDACS
  • September 15th Cleanup Organization, Heath Davis and Chris Topping, CKAA 

Video

Session 1 featuring Oyster Panel

Session 2 featuring Clam Panel