The UF/IFAS Extension Shellfish Aquaculture Program and Florida Sea Grant are sponsoring a pair of workshops focused on the considerations for selecting gear and suppliers to aquaculture oysters in Florida waters.
The first workshop will be Wednesday, December 4, from 1-4 p.m. in St. Teresa at the Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory, 3618 Coastal Hwy 98.
The workshop will be repeated on Thursday, December 5, from 1-3 p.m. in Cedar Key at the Senator George G. Kirkpatrick Marine Laboratory, 11350 SW 153rd Ct.
The topics to be covered are:
- “Hands-on” discussion of oyster culture gear types: the advantages, disadvantages, costs and considerations for siting, deployment and operational management.
- Where to buy culture gear, and information on equipment suppliers.
- Where to buy oyster seed, and information on seed suppliers.
- An overview of oyster aquaculture activities in Louisiana (only at the Dec. 4 workshop).
The speakers include:
- Bill Walton, Ph.D., Auburn University Shellfish Laboratory and Alabama Cooperative Extension Service.
- John Supan, Ph.D., Louisiana State University and Louisiana Sea Grant
Time will be allotted for equipment and seed suppliers to present their products and services. Both workshops are free and open to the public. To ensure there are enough handouts available, please confirm your attendance by contacting:
Leslie Sturmer, UF/IFAS Extension Shellfish Aquaculture, (352) 543-5057.
Portia Sapp, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, (850) 488-5471.