Today on Marine Science Minute with Florida Sea Grant: Shellfish Aquaculture

Florida’s coastal waters support an important aquaculture industry in which farmers grow hard clams and oysters that are enjoyed in restaurants and around dinner tables throughout our state and well beyond. Baby shellfish are produced in places called hatcheries. From there, farmers put them in specialized bags or cages and into approved aquaculture lease areas to grow out.

For decades, UF/IFAS and Florida Sea Grant have supported this industry through research and outreach to farms and hatcheries. Shellfish improve water quality by filtering as they eat and grow, and their aquaculture sustainably produces nutritious and delicious protein. Don’t be shellfish – share some Florida-grown clams or oysters with a friend today! 

For information about this and other coastal topics, contact your county extension office or visit Florida Sea Grant at flseagrant.org.