NC Sea Grant Offers Shellfish Aquaculture Workshop in Wilmington

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Vanda Lewis, 252-222-6307, vanda_lewis@ncsu.edu
Chuck Weirich, 252-222-6314, chuck_weirich@ncsu.edu

Posted September 21, 2016

Potential and established growers can sign up for a free shellfish aquaculture workshop on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event, with a focus on oyster aquaculture, will be held at the University of North Carolina Wilmington Center for Marine Science at 5600 Marvin K. Moss Lane.

The sessions are being offered by North Carolina Sea Grant, in cooperation with the N.C. Shellfish Growers Association, UNCW Center for Marine Science and Carteret Community College. The meeting is funded through a grant from the NOAA Sea Grant Extension and Technology Transfer Program.

“This workshop will provide a lot of good information and tips for those who are starting out in their shellfish aquaculture ventures. However, our invited speakers, who represent the research and industry communities, also will offer new insights to established growers,” says Chuck Weirich, Sea Grant marine aquaculture specialist.

Participants will receive information on topics such as leasing and siting their operations, culture gear and techniques, harvest and storage regulations, marketing strategies including the potential of forming grower co-ops, and USDA programs available to producers.

Ami Wilbur, director of the UNCW Shellfish Research Hatchery, will provide an overview of research and a tour of research facilities. In addition, Bill Walton, who researches fisheries, restoration and aquaculture at Auburn University, will discuss how oyster aquaculture is being expanded in the Gulf of Mexico. Jay Styron, president of the N.C. Shellfish Growers Association, will offer a grower’s perspective on oyster farming in North Carolina.

Lunch will be provided. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required and will be limited to 75 attendees. To sign up, contact Vanda Lewis, at 252-222-6307 or vanda_lewis@ncsu.edu, by Oct. 7, 2016.

Go here for directions. Signs will direct you to parking and the meeting site.

For more information on marine aquaculture, go to ncseagrant.ncsu.edu/aquaculture.

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