Trying to Explain Unexplained Cultured Oyster Mortalities in the Gulf of Mexico

May 27, 2020

This workshops focused on 1) increasing knowledge of oyster farmers about what is known about oyster mortalities along the Gulf Coast and the effect of ploidy, 2) increasing awareness of current efforts to address mortality issues, and 3) seeking industry input about what is being observed and priorities for future work

Agenda and Presentations

Topics and guest speakers included:

• Welcome & Introductions: Leslie Sturmer, University of Florida, Bill Walton, Auburn University
• What do we know about oyster mortalities?
  • Florida studies comparing diploid and triploid oysters, Leslie Sturmer
  • Alabama studies comparing diploid and triploid oysters, and studying effect of handling, Bill Walton
  • Current studies in Louisiana and Alabama testing effect of broodstock in different environments, Jerome LaPeyre, Louisiana State University
  • Research findings in Chesapeake Bay, Joey Matt, Virginia Institute of Marine Science:
  • Considerations beyond triploid mortality, Ryan Carnegie, Virginia Institute of Marine Science: 
• Q&A: Opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns, note observations
• Current efforts to address mortality issues
  • Development of new tetraploids, Tom Rossi, 4Cs Breeding Technologies, Inc
  • Development of Florida tetraploids and cryopreservation, Huiping Yang, University of Florida
  • Work at Auburn University Shellfish Lab, Scott Rikard, Auburn University
  • SALT Consortium efforts, Kelly Lucas, University of Southern Mississippi
  • Current work in Louisiana, Brian Callam, Louisiana State University
  • VIMS Breeding Program efforts, Stan Allen, Virginia Institute of Marine Science
  • Collaborative efforts to evaluate field performance of triploids from different broodstock, Leslie Sturmer & Bill Walton:
• Q&A: Opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns, note observations

Video