Potential and established shellfish growers can sign up for a free aquaculture workshop from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15.
With a focus on oyster aquaculture, the workshop will be held at the University of North Carolina Wilmington Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin K. Moss Lane.
Lunch will be provided. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required and will be limited to 75 attendees.
To sign up, contact Vanda Lewis, at 252-222-6307 or vanda_lewis@ncsu.edu, by Oct. 7.
The sessions are being offered by North Carolina Sea Grant, in cooperation with the N.C. Shellfish Growers Association, UNCW Center for Marine Science and Carteret Community College. The meeting is funded through a grant from the NOAA Sea Grant Extension and Technology Transfer Program.
“This workshop will provide a lot of good information and tips for those who are starting out in their shellfish aquaculture ventures,” said Chuck Weirich, Sea Grant marine aquaculture specialist. “However, our invited speakers, who represent the research and industry communities, also will offer new insights to established growers,”
Participants will receive information on topics such as leasing and siting their operations, culture gear and techniques, harvest and storage regulations, marketing strategies including the potential of forming grower co-ops, and USDA programs available to producers.
Ami Wilbur, director of the UNCW Shellfish Research Hatchery, will provide an overview of research and a tour of research facilities. In addition, Bill Walton, who researches fisheries, restoration and aquaculture at Auburn University, will discuss how oyster aquaculture is being expanded in the Gulf of Mexico. Jay Styron, president of the N.C. Shellfish Growers Association, will offer a grower’s perspective on oyster farming in North Carolina.
Click here for directions. Signs will direct you to parking and the meeting site.
For more information on marine aquaculture, visit ncseagrant.ncsu.edu/aquaculture.
For Ocracoke news, click here.
