GROW YOUR OWN OYSTERS!!!

PROGRAM OVERVIEWClass visit 1: Introduction and biology of

oystersExcursion 1: Tour of local estuary and oyster

processing facilityClass visit 2: Oyster productionExcursion 2: The business of oyster farmingClass Visit 3: Improving operationsExcursion 3: Harvesting and marketing

Today . . . . .Improving farm operations

The use of technology in oyster farming

Scientific research

Improving operations Reducing overcatch and fouling of oystersChange in oyster infrastructure to plastic gearUniform size gradesResearchUse of technology

Pests and diseases MudwormParasiteDo not directly harm

oysters but compete with them for food

Also affects market value

QX diseaseMicroscopic

parasiteStarves the oyster

to deathHigh oyster

mortalityNo evidence

harmful to humans

Pests and diseases

Healthy oyster on left, infected oyster on right

Winter mortalityBelieved to be caused

by a parasite Can kill up to 80% of

oysters in a local areaOysters in third winter

most susceptibleNo treatment

available – only preventative measures

Pests and diseases

Oyster researchpests and diseases of oysters

How are oysters grown?