Inland Bays Shellfish Aquaculture
Delaware Sea Grant has been working with state managers and oyster growers to launch an oyster aquaculture industry based in the Inland Bays. These partnerships resulted in the first planting of oysters in Rehoboth Bay in 2018, with numerous leases ready for additional oyster spat.
Shellfish Branding
To enhance shellfish aquaculture in the Inland Bays, Delaware Sea Grant collaborated with researchers and oyster farmers to come up with effective marketing for local shellfish and aquaculture. A flourishing shellfish aquaculture market is expected to not only improve profitability for seafood markets and restaurants, but also improve water quality in the Inland Bays due to oysters' natural abilities to filter pollutants from the water.
Funded by Delaware Sea Grant, University of Delaware Professor Kent Messer led a group of researchers in a study to explore what consumers look for when purchasing oysters, as well as their reactions toward a new brand highlighting local oysters, using experimental economics. Find out more about the research.
Research & Development
Delaware Sea Grant has partnered with Delaware State University's Aquaculture Research and Demonstration Facility to conduct more R&D on oysters and other aquaculture fisheries. Research conducted in this facility include identifying fitting aquaculture species in the mid-Atlantic region and discovering appropriate techniques for management. It is currently the only one of its kind in the state of Delaware, and aims to contribute to the economic and environmental growth of local aquaculture production.
Aquaculture Workshops
Delaware Sea Grant hosts workshops to teach farmers in the oyster industry the best practices for production and invite them to share their knowledge. Interested in participating in a workshop? Browse through our News & Events page for upcoming classes!
Aquaculture Industry Resources
Interested in quick links to aquaculture references and reports? Check out our online aquaculture resource center.