Year: 2023
Relevance
Oyster aquaculture is a growing industry in the Gulf of Mexico. It contributes significantly to the economy, provides a safe and sustainable source of protein, and reduces fishing pressure on natural reefs. Oyster growers commonly express that employee access and retention is a limitation to expansion of their operations. For the industry to succeed, workforce development programs that increase awareness of job opportunities and provide training are needed.
Response
The Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium initiated the Commercial Oyster Aquaculture Sector Training program (COAST) to provide funds toward apprenticeship positions at Mississippi and Alabama oyster farms. Participating farms received funding to help cover part of the salary for an apprentice. The farm provided hands-on training to the apprentices in various areas of oyster aquaculture, such as larval rearing, seed maintenance, farm maintenance, harvesting and processing.
Results
Five farms participated in the COAST program and provided training to five apprentices in the area of oyster aquaculture, which added five individuals to the oyster aquaculture workforce. Apprentices were trained in spawning, larval rearing, seed maintenance, farm maintenance, tumbling, sorting, desiccation, harvesting, handling and record keeping. Participating farms stated they would participate in COAST again, and apprentices stated they intend to stay in the oyster aquaculture industry after the program.
Recap
The Commercial Oyster Aquaculture Sector Training (COAST) program provided funding to five apprentices that received hands-on training and on-farm work experience in the oyster aquaculture industry. (2023)