Five significant trends in US shellfish aquaculture

Bivalves fit the bill in meeting the global appetite for sustainable seafood.

Given the small surprises of merroir, plump meat, and none of the silt found in their bottom-grown wild cousins, plus many environmental benefits, consumer appetite for farmed shellfish is increasing.

Oyster's eco-credentials sue to young consumers

Sherman says that such marketing created "an awakening of a sleeping demand" for oysters among younger consumers deeper than gastronomical culture. "It's a product that they can feel good about because of its services to the environment and coastal communities."

Cooperation but not competition

The Maryland Shellfish Growers Network, backed by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) and other partners, provides a range of resources:

- A state-wide aquaculture conference

- A database of financial assistance sources

- A promising peer-to-peer mentorship program

Dr. Allison Colden of CBF said, "The best person to learn from is someone who's already been through it all."

Still shy of its second anniversary, this program duels a newcomer with a veteran grower rooted in geography and cultivation methods. Colden said, "We had no idea what the reception of the existing farmers would be to new people coming into the industry."But they have been very eager to help, supportive, and collegial. They don't see them as somebody coming in to knock them out."

Tech helps boost development.

Another service offered free to all Maryland Shellfish Growers Network members are technology assistance from geographic information system (GIS) mapping specialists. This key identifies adjacent land use and regulatory exclusions, salinity, bathymetry, and bottom type to support new lease applications.

Diversification—on everyone's lips

Another reason shellfish farming is surging is that commercial fishers—whether they catch lobsters in Maine or blue crabs in Maryland—are turning to aquaculture to hedge against climate change and regulatory issues. In addition, it's a method to diversify income.

Trials abound oyster & quahog polyculture in Maine; bay scallops and Atlantic surf clams in the New Jersey bays traditionally dedicated to oysters and hard clams; and blood arks and oysters and seaweed in Massachusetts.

It's a move with another benefit: biodiversity. Indeed to the Island Institute, farmed mussels located near kelp have stronger shells and larger meats.