GCRC Project Summary |
Overcoming Constraints to the Development of a Sustainable Eastern Oyster, Crassostrea virginica Aquaculture Industry in Georgia
PIs: Alan Power, University of Georgia Marine Extension Service, Savannah; Randal Walker, University of Georgia Marine Extension Service, Athens; Thomas Shierling, Tori Stivers, University of Georgia Marine Extension Service, Brunswick;
Support: Georgia Sea Grant College Program
Timeframe: 3/21/2008 - 1/31/2009
Project Overview:
Our project goal is to determine the best method for growing single oysters and evaluate the economic feasibility of an aquaculture oyster industry in Georgia.
The results of our trial studies will be presented to commercial growers and resource managers at the termination of the study in Spring 2010. The project will fund a research technician at the Shellfish Research Laboratory in Savannah who will work with commercial shellfishermen to form a new growers association; maintain & monitor all field trials; assist growers in setting up pilot scale operations on their own leases; disseminate findings at meetings; and promote oyster aquaculture as a sustainable & environmentally friendly industry. Preliminary marketing efforts will also be undertaken by the MAREX.
Results to Date :
- DENSITY - By June 2009 we have completed two sampling events and the fastest growth rates are being exhibited by the 1,000 m-2 treatment, followed by the 2,000 m-2 and then the 500 m-2 for the 1-1.5” size group. The results obtained from this study will be used to select the optimum density to place wild harvested seed out in fall 2009 in anticipation of a market size in spring 2010.
- HEIGHT - ( Evaluation of optimal intertidal height for growing single oysters in off bottom cages: Upper, lower and mid reaches of normal natural oyster bed distribution, and one level above and below the normal oyster bed distributions.) The lowest growth has been in the uppermost level where there has been almost no growth and the highest mortality rates (22.86% for one of uppermost level replicates in April 2009).
Presentations:
Overcoming Constraints to the Development of a Sustainable Eastern Oyster, Crassostrea virginica, Aquaculture Industry in Georgia. Alan Power, Georgia Coastal Research Forum, Jekyll Island, GA., October 6th, 2008.
Overcoming Constraints to the Development of a Sustainable Eastern Oyster, Crassostrea virginica, Aquaculture Industry in Georgia." Alan Power, East Coast Shellfish Growers Association Best Management Practices Workshop, Brunswick, GA., March 27th, 2009.