Shellfish aquaculture on the East Coast: A snapshot

摘要

The authors conducted a survey of all East Coast states through their extension agents to determine the extent and diversity of the East Coast shellfish aquaculture industry. The survey was conducted for the East Coast Shellfish Growers Association as a prelude to developing best management practices or an environmental management system for the shellfish aquaculture industry. Respondents answered questions relative to the number of leases, sizes, species cultivated, methods and gear used, number of people employed, and other pertinent questions concerning growout. The survey also requested information on leasing and regulatory frameworks, constraints to expanding aquaculture, problems perceived by either growers or licensing agencies, and comments. Survey revealed that the shellfish industry on the East Coast is diverse in size and scope of operations, but there are common threads as well that overlap state jurisdictions.