I'd like to introduce a free online oyster culture course that was designed for beginners interested in starting a commercial oyster farm along the Gulf.
This online course is being developed for beginning oyster growers and those interested in learning about the prospects of off-bottom oyster culture in the Gulf region. Four virtual sessions provide participants with the basics of how to get started and grow a crop of oysters to harvest. These sessions are made available through collaboration with the University of Florida/IFAS Extension, Florida Sea Grant, Auburn University Shellfish Laboratory, the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium and Louisiana Sea Grant.
In each session, participants are introduced to specialists, extension agents and resources at these institutions, along with experts in the shellfish aquaculture industry.
Course format
Each session consists of short (15- to 30-minute) video presentations and resource links for additional information. Lesson-related handouts are available for download. A discussion section at the end of each session allows participants in the course to interact with each other and ask questions of the session instructors. Once enrolled in the course, you can start at any time and learn at your own pace. There are no deadlines.
Session 1: Getting your farm started
This session provides information on oyster seed purchasing, site and other start-up considerations, including gear selection and installation, planting strategies, start-up costs, risk factors and business plan development.
There are 13 videos in this session that people can complete in 3 hours and 40 minutes. Some topics include instructor introductions, farm site selection, off-bottom leases, buying seed, triploidy, oyster seed importation rules, gear selection and installation, developing a business plan and more. This course session is available now.
Session 2: Meet the gear suppliers
This session features manufacturers and suppliers of off-bottom culture gear. You can learn about the various gear types available to grow oysters. It should be available by the end of July.
Session 3: Growing a crop of oysters
This session focuses on oyster farm management with topics on biofouling control, stocking densities, common mistakes and predators, pests and diseases. Additional topics include land-based nursery options, financial planning, inventory tracking and storm preparation. This course is expected to be available in September.
Session 4: Harvesting a crop of oysters
Harvesting and processing regulations for product safety are introduced in this session, along with marketing and product branding strategies. This session is scheduled to go online in November.
Meet the author
Russell "Rusty" Grice
Oyster Aquaculture Business Specialist
Rusty joined Sea Grant in 2016. He helps oyster farmers navigate requirements for starting farms, and he helps streamline the harvest reporting process for existing farms. His focus is on... Read more
Phone: 251-229-0826
Email: [email protected]