Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Texas Sea Grant, in partnership with the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, recently announced an exciting opportunity for locals to learn about oyster farming. The “Oyster Farming 101” workshop will take place on December 6, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Galveston County Extension Office in La Marque, Texas.
Participants will learn about the permits, equipment, and techniques required to start an oyster farm, as well as the role of oyster farming in supporting local ecosystems and creating economic opportunities for coastal communities. The workshop will be presented by the Oyster Resource and Recovery Center (ORRC), part of the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies.
Oyster aquaculture has become a significant industry in the U.S., valued at over $200 million. However, Texas was the last coastal state to allow commercial oyster farming, with legislation passed in 2019 paving the way for this practice. The development of a viable and competitive oyster aquaculture industry is expected to create jobs and economic growth for the Texas coast, while also providing supplemental benefits such as nutrient recycling, water purification, and shoreline protection.
The “Oyster Farming 101” workshop represents a collaborative effort to educate and empower individuals interested in entering the oyster farming industry, promoting sustainable seafood production, and enhancing the resilience of coastal ecosystems and economies.