Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium Engagement - Commercial Oyster Aquaculture in Alabama and Mississippi

Objectives

• Train commercial oyster farmers on key topics for a successful commercial oyster farming operation, such as business planning food safety storm preparation and other best management practices. 
• Reduce barriers to entry into oyster aquaculture through providing technical assistance individuals in obtaining a commercial oyster farm permit for their personal property through the Corps of Engineers and other agencies. 
• Provided support for the industry and work to reach or exceed the harvest goals by the oyster management in each state.

Methodology

For the last six years, an off-bottom oyster aquaculture course has been conducted in Mississippi or Alabama. Participants have been able to attend from either state for training and education covering all aspects of establishing and operating a commercial oyster farm. Additionally, workshops will be held periodically on specific topics, such as storm preparation, seed management and special use equipment, such as spat collectors. Continuation of both in-person and online training will be delivered in coordination with the oyster management agencies in each state.

Rationale

Over the last decade, the decreased density of harvestable oysters has limited the number of oystermen engaged in the oyster industry along the Mississippi Sound. 

Alabama and Mississippi have permitted over 500 acres for off-bottom commercial oyster aquaculture with roughly 100 acres presently, which generates an estimated $1.7M farm gate while reducing pressure on natural reefs. 

The Off-Bottom Oyster Aquaculture Program has provided training in off-bottom oyster aquaculture operations, including business development and aquaculture methodologies, and will result in hands-on training on state-owned farms. Diversification of the oyster industry using off-bottom aquaculture techniques that use racks, cages, rafts or longlines to grow oysters has proven to be very successful for enhancing workforce development and job creation according to the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. Continuation of this training and education is important for building a sustainable commercial off-bottom oyster aquaculture industry.