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Oyster Gardening in Alabama is underway! Sites in Little Lagoon and Mobile Bay received their oysters last month. Oysters will remain under the care of the gardeners for the next 4-6 months, after which they will be picked up and planted onto oyster reefs.

Bagged, seasoned-recycled oyster shell was delivered to the Auburn University Shellfish Lab for setting in mid-April. After being set with juvenile oysters, or “spat,” the bags were transferred to holding tanks and later picked up by program staff for distribution.

Oyster spat grows on a parent shell. (Photo by Auburn University Marine Extension and Research Center)

This year, the oyster gardeners received two marked sets of oysters. One set is a control group and the other, representing the treatment group, grew alongside blue crab predators in their holding tanks. Exposure to blue crabs is thought to result in oysters growing stronger shells. The gardeners will keep these two sets separated from each other in marked oyster gardens. Data collected during the season will be analyzed to determine if any differences in growth and survival exist.

PJ Waters and Conrad Horst, both of the Auburn University Marine Extension and Research Center, retrieve bagged, spat-set shell from holding tanks. (Photo by Auburn University Marine Extension and Research Center)

Oyster gardeners are responsible for shaking their gardens about once a week to help clean the oysters of any mud, algae or debris. The gardeners also routinely check for any predators and remove them from their oyster gardens. Examples of predators include blue crabs and oyster drills. This maintenance helps the oysters filter effectively and provides them with a better chance of survival.

Conrad Horst, of the Auburn University Marine Extension and Research Center and Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant, adjusts an oyster garden hanging in the water. (Photo by Auburn University Marine Extension and Research Center)

Mississippi counterparts are anticipating the start of their Mississippi oyster gardening season in late September. Anyone interested in participating in the 2023 season can contact us at [email protected] or fill out the form found on our website. All you need is pier or dock access and a few minutes to spare about once a week.

Meet the author

Emily McCay

Mississippi Oyster Gardening Program Coordinator

Emily McCay is a full-time member of the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium Engagement and Education Team, the Auburn University Marine Extension and Research Center, and the Alabama... Read more

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