Improving Aquaculture Production
Virginia leads the nation in hard clam (Mercenaria mercenaria) production and leads the east coast in eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) production, and the eastern oyster is the most rapidly developing sector of Virginia’s shellfish aquaculture industry. For the industry to continue expanding, it is important to identify methods that increase fertilization success and survival in the hatchery, to optimize methods of larval rearing, setting, and field grow-out, and to better understand the effect of domestication and genotype-by-environment interactions. Co-culture of multiple species, multi-trophic aquaculture, and the culture of new species will further expand the Virginia aquaculture industry.
Check out the Acuff Center for Aquaculture. This shellfish hatchery was completed in 2022 and supports collaborative research, education, and advisory teams within VIMS' Shellfish Aquaculture Program.
The Commercial Shellfish Aquaculture Lab & Team (C-SALT), which is directed by Dr. Bill Walton, conducts integrated research and develops highly capable individuals skilled in and knowledgeable about shellfish aquaculture production. Visit their webpage to learn about the research farm, current research projects, and opportunities to get involved.
Eastern Shore Laboratory research:
- Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) for Shellfish Hatcheries - Heterotrophic biofilm filter for recirculating water use in shellfish hatcheries
- Argopecten irradians, Bay Scallops for Ecological Restoration and Aquaculture