GROW YOUR OWN OYSTERS!!!

1. GROW YOUR OWN OYSTERS!!!

2. PROGRAM OVERVIEW • Class visit 1: Introduction and biology of oysters • Excursion 1: Tour of local estuary and oyster processing facility • Class visit 2: Oyster production • Excursion 2: The business of oyster farming • Class Visit 3: Improving operations • Excursion 3: Harvesting and marketing

3. Today . . . . . • Improving farm operations • The use of technology in oyster farming • Scientific research

4. Improving operations • Reducing overcatch and fouling of oysters • Change in oyster infrastructure to plastic gear • Uniform size grades • Research • Use of technology

5. Pests and diseases • Mudworm • Parasite • Do not directly harm oysters but compete with them for food • Also affects market value

6. Pests and diseases • QX disease • Microscopic parasite • Starves the oyster to death • High oyster mortality • No evidence harmful to humans Healthy oyster on left, infected oyster on right

7. Pests and diseases • Winter mortality • Believed to be caused by a parasite • Can kill up to 80% of oysters in a local area • Oysters in third winter most susceptible • No treatment available – only preventative measures

8. Oyster research • pests and diseases of oysters

9. How are oysters grown?