Oyster South Symposium brings together producers, gear suppliers, distributors, chefs, food writers, vendors, researchers, students and managers from the southeast region to discuss pressing issues and relevant, practical research on oyster aquaculture. The Symposium is hosted by Oyster South, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to advancing oyster aquaculture in the southern US, in collaboration with Alabama Cooperative Extension System, and Auburn University Shellfish Lab. This meeting is intended for industry members.

The NC Aquaculture Development Conference returns to historic downtown New Bern, Thursday, March 12th through Saturday, March 14th, 2020. The 32nd annual conference is one of the largest and longest running aquaculture conferences in the country.

Designed to bring together the general public, current and prospective fish farmers, scientists, and personnel from regulatory agencies to share information and ideas about the development of aquaculture in North Carolina.

Attendees will learn about several topics relevant to aquaculture species in North Carolina and find out about the latest aquaculture equipment and products by browsing the ongoing Trade Show. 

Program is designed for anyone with an interest in fish or shellfish farming, including prospective growers, researchers, teachers, students or agency persons with jobs related to aquaculture. The conference is also suited to persons who sell goods or services to the aquaculture industry.

Jump start your growing season with a day in Cambridge Maryland. From aquaculture pioneers and industry innovators to new growers, this one-day forum is designed for the Mid-Atlantic industry. Learn best practices in farm and business management, discover new grow-out and processing techniques, and dive deep into shellfish technologies online – and on the horizon. The forum culminates with a “Sip & Shuck” reception featuring chefs, seafood buyers and oysters from participating farms.

This event is for oyster farmers and aquaculture industry suppliers and partners in the Mid-Atlantic.

Presented by

University of Maryland Sea Grant Extension and Hoopers Island Oyster Co.
in partnership with Delaware Sea Grant  |  Delaware State University

Tentative Schedule: Friday, April 3

8:30     Registration, Coffee
9:00     Welcome & Opening Session: Growing the Industry: State of Aquaculture in the Mid Atlantic
10:00   Break
10:30   Session II: Growing Your Profits
11:30    Lunch & Networking
12:30    Session III: Growing Your Production
1:45      Session IV: Growing Advanced Technology
2:45      Break
3:00      Session 5: Growing Your Markets – Tourism, Restaurant & Retail Trends

4-5:30   Networking Reception: Sip & Shuck

Sponsored in part by

Dorchester County Economic Development
Chesapeake Bay Foundation / Maryland Shellfish Growers Network