Ted Wilgis, Senior Coastal Specialist with the North Carolina Coastal Federation will present “Oyster Farming: A Green Economic Engine for the Coast“.

North Carolina possesses over 1.4 million acres of coastal waters with biological and physical characteristics that make it uniquely well suited for shellfish mariculture. North Carolina also has a long history of shellfishing, and oysters are a vital component of our coast’s culture, economy and ecology. North Carolina’s shellfish mariculture industry has grown dramatically in recent years, and some people call our state a “Napa Valley of Oysters” . The growth of the shellfish mariculture industry can support the sustainable development of our coast, as oyster farming adds oysters to our estuaries, reduces harvest pressure on wild shellfish stocks, increases water filtration, mitigates nutrient loading, and supports enhanced biodiversity by providing habitat.  With this growth the state and many stakeholders are proactively planning for a sustainable expansion while considering many factors, including user conflicts, protection of water quality and implementing Best Management Practices for shellfish farming. Join us to learn more about this fascinating and growing industry, and how oysters serve as a “keystone” species along our coast.

12 noon Eastern Time

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https://zoom.us/j/96608530675

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