Karen Hudson joined the Virginia Sea Grant Marine Extension Program (VASG) in February as the Commercial Shellfish Aquaculture Extension Specialist. “I had wanted this position before they even had this position,” says Hudson, who will act as the bridge between aquaculture researchers and the commercial growers, harvesters, and hatcheries. She adds, “I am really interested in aquaculture and what the industry is doing.”
Virginia’s oyster aquaculture industry is poised to begin its biggest growth spurt ever, according to a report from Virginia Institute of Marine Science and Virginia Sea Grant. In 2010, oyster growers sold over 16 million oysters worth more than $5 million. Growers surveyed expect to sell nearly twice as many oysters in 2011. Following years could increase further, as growers planted three times more oyster seed in 2010 than ever before.
Tidewater Oyster Growers Association (TOGA) announced the establishment of a graduate student fellowship endowment at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) on Tuesday. The TOGA Fellowship Endowment is inspired by and in honor of VIMS extension agent Mike Oesterling and TOGA founder and former President Jackie Partin.
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