Oyster Advocacy: Educating about local aquaculture
Extension Education
Frank Long
ANR Extension Agent
Virginia Cooperative Extension
Saluda
Abstract
Mathews County is a central hub of oyster production for Virginia’s aquaculture industry. While boasting the most coastline of any county in Virginia and directly boarding the Chesapeake Bay, Mathews houses many aquaculture businesses. There is a clear need to teach local stakeholders in Mathews County about the importance of the oyster lifecycle, its environmental effects, and how to enjoy it, whether through consumption or growing it at home.
Aquaculture education helps bolster advocacy for the county’s oyster producers and promotes careers in aquaculture. Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) partnered with Oyster Seed Holdings (OSH) and other private oyster production farms on Gwynn’s Island to host numerous tours, educational video recordings, and aquaculture internships for STEM students. This educational programming, has increased the community’s understanding of how Mathews’ County oyster production has assisted in cleaning the Chesapeake Bay.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
Click to view Poster
Authors: Frank Long
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Long, F. ANR Extension Agent, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia, 23149