Megan Gima
The University of Southern Mississippi
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Status: Current
Type:
Focus Area(s):
Project Leaders
Sea Grant Funds: $9,999
Project Date Range: 01-01-2026 to 12-31-2026
Keywords: RAS, eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, aquaculture, broodstock
Objectives
The objectives of the project involve several key initiatives aimed at enhancing oyster farming in the Gulf coast region. Firstly, the team aims to collaborate with the Auburn University Shellfish Lab (AUSL) to develop commercial-scale proof of concept for broodstock conditioning systems, which will facilitate the rearing of Eastern Oyster larvae. A primary goal is to produce and rear diploid and triploid oyster larvae to be set in February or early March 2026, extending the production season beyond the natural spawning cycle. This will allow for better staggering and rotation of crop harvests, ultimately optimizing annual production and improving economic outcomes for oyster farmers. Additionally, the project will include tracking the growth of these newly produced crops to market size and comparing them against historical production cycles to assess efficiency and effectiveness.
Methodology
Double D (Doug Ankersen) operates a hatchery on Dauphin Island, focusing on spawning diploid and triploid oysters while providing necessary equipment, including a modified Conex trailer for larval setting. AUSL will supply specific diploid and tetraploid Eastern Oysters and implement a broodstock conditioning protocol alongside Double D, who will begin after receiving conditioned broodstock from USM. The conditioning involves acclimating oysters to a temperature increase to initiate gametogenesis and specific feeding protocols using commercially available algal concentrates to ensure optimal growth. Meanwhile, the University of Southern Mississippi also will carry out broodstock conditioning utilizing temperature-controlled systems and both commercially available and onsite-produced live algae to optimize spawning conditions.
Rationale
The expansion of the oyster farming industry along the Gulf coast has highlighted the need for increased production of larvae and seed to meet demand. Currently, farmers rely heavily on regional Sea Grant and university-supported hatcheries, which operate according to the natural spawning cycles of oysters and limits production efficiency. By inducing earlier spawning through controlled conditions, similar to successful practices observed in northeast U.S. hatcheries, the Gulf region can optimize its oyster production. This approach would enable local hatcheries to supply larvae and seed earlier in the spring and extend production into the fall, allowing for improved staggering and rotation of harvests. Ultimately, this would enhance annual production volumes and economic outcomes for oyster farmers in the region and alleviate the limitations of traditional farming practices.