Helpful Links for Shellfish Aquaculture
General aquaculture information
- Aquaculture Information Network
- USDA - Cooperative States Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES)
The link to the aquaculture page describes the USDA role in aquaculture development - USDA – Western Regional Aquaculture Center (WRAC)
WRAC is a CSREES industry lead research and extension program for the 11 western states. Alaska is represented on the extension, industry, and research subcommittees and also has an appoint seat on the board of directors. - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - Aquaculture Program
NOAA is the leading agency supporting marine aquaculture including shellfish farming. This site keeps you up-to-date on NOAA initiatives.
- National Sea Grant Program Aquaculture Theme
The National Sea Grant Program supports national research and extension initiatives for marine fish and shellfish aquaculture
Shellfish Aquaculture Information and Resources
- Alaskan Shellfish Growers Association
- British Columbia Shellfish Growers Association
Look under tab “About BCSGA” then click on “Industry Encyclopedia” for information on aquaculture practices by species. - Pacific Shellfish Growers Association
Much good information on multiple tabs - Pacific Shellfish Institute
A very active and open information shellfish research organization that provided an important service to the west coast. Look under tabs the Projects tab for downloadable reports and the partners tabs for a good listing of links.
Business Assistance
- Alaska Fisheries Business Assistance program (FishBiz)
The program is administered by the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program that provides information and resources to Alaska's fishermen, processors, and marine-related businesses. Multiple projects, funded by various agencies, provide great information for shellfish farmers. - U.S. Small Business Administration
Look in Small Business Planning and Tools tabsAlaska Small Business Development CenterDirect counseling and workshops are described under the services tab, and the resources tab provides great on-line information - Quality study of Alaskan oysters
Study completed in 2006 on quality and condition of Alaskan grown oyster by region. - Alaska agriculture statistics website
Annual agriculture statistics report. Aquaculture includes shellfish farming and salmon production - Aquaculture Outlook
Information on markets and market trends. Reports written twice yearly, look in 1990s and 2000s
Regulatory
- Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference (ISSC)
The ISSC works in cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration in the creation and oversight of shellfish consumer safety. Information on many issues relation to human health and water quality issues. Pay attention to the Publication and Reports, Education and Consumer education. You should be familiar with the NSSP Guide. - Alaska Department of Fish and Game Mariculture page
This is an essential link that provides important information to all Alaskan farmers or potential farmers. - Alaska Department of Natural Resources(DNR) – Division of Lands and Mining
DNR issues tidelands leases for aquatic farming and is central receiving agency for aquatic farm permit applications. Important information on applying for a tidelands lease is contained on this site.
Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC)
ADEC Division of Environmental Health is responsible for water quality certification, marine toxin screening, regulations protecting public health, certification of shellfish processing and holding facilities, and authorization for shipping shellfish to market. Pertinent sites on their website are:
- Uniform shellfish monitoring program for marine toxin testing
- Classifying Growing and Harvest Areas, Applying for a Shellfish Permit, How to Collect Water Samples, HACCP, and Shellstock Shipping Facilities
Shellfish and the Marine Environment
- Northwest Workshop on Bivalve Aquaculture and the Environment
A two-day workshop with presentations on bivalves and their interaction with the marine environment. - Environmental support for farmed shellfish consumption
Monterey Bay Aquarium – Seafood watch - Browse their list of shellfish for oysters, clams, and mussels - Environmental Defense Fund
Seafood selector – Search on “All Eco-best Fish…” - Blue Ocean Institute
Page down to find you seafood of interest. The green fish is most sustainable seafood award.
Human health issues
- NOAA Northwest Fisheries Laboratory - Red Tides Newsletters
- Alaska Sea Grant
Download “Paralytic Shellfish Poison: The Alaskan Problem.” - Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute - Harmful algae
Equipment Suppliers
For more information
- Ray Ralonde, MAP agent
