Oyster Culture Activities in the Gulf of Mexico Region

Thursday, October 11
3:00 to 6:00 pm
Sen. George Kirkpatrick Marine Lab
Cedar Key

An informational exchange on oyster culture activities in the Gulf of Mexico region will be held on Thursday, October 11 from 3:00 to 6:00 pm at the Senator George Kirkpatrick Marine Lab in Cedar Key. Mark Berrigan with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Aquaculture will start off the session with a discussion on how fishery enhancement methods can be applied to extensive oyster cultivation.

A review of oyster aquaculture efforts on Florida`s Gulf coast will be given by Leslie Sturmer with the University of Florida IFAS Shellfish Aquaculture Extension Program. Bill Walton with Auburn University`s Shellfish Lab will speak about efforts in developing oyster culture in Alabama.

Dr. Walton`s work focuses on evaluating the feasibility and cost effectiveness of aquaculture gear for raising oysters, testing of various culture methods to improve oyster quality, and assessing potential markets for a high-end branded Gulf oyster. Louisiana`s traditional oyster fishery, which involves the use of public seed grounds and private leases, will be discussed by John Supan with Louisiana State University.

Dr. Supan will also introduce LSU`s efforts in developing disease-resistance strains, producing triploid oysters for high summertime meat yield, testing of oyster cultch materials, and evaluating off-bottom culture.

For more information, contact Leslie Sturmer at (352) 543-5057 or LNST@ufl.edu.