EDUCATION AND TRADE ASSOCIATIONS
EDUCATION
VIMS Marine Advisory Program
A Shellfish Aquaculture Extension Specialist is available to answer questions and connect you to additional resources.
Virginia Aquaculture Conference
The Virginia Aquaculture Conference is a biennial event, hosted by VIMS Marine Advisory Program and Virginia Sea Grant, that brings aquaculturists together to network with others in the field, learn about relevant issues and opportunities, and explore new methods and devices for harvesting. This two-day event with a Trade Show offers a unique opportunity for a new grower to connect to all the resources available.
Virginia Shellfish Growers email ListServe
This is an email listserve managed by VIMS Marine Advisory Program to provide Virginia growers (new and existing) relevant content including news articles, available resources, notices of important meetings, regulatory changes and educational opportunities. To sign up, email Karen Hudson (khudson@vims.edu) requesting addition to the list.
Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference
The Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference hosts a variety of events and conferences, as well as providing sanitation resources to aquaculturists across the country.
TRADE ASSOCIATIONS
Virginia Seafood Council
Shellfish Growers of Virginia
Shellfish Growers of Virginia is a trade association incorporated within Virginia. The organization’s mission is to conduct activities necessary for the advancement, expansion, and well-being of the shellfish aquaculture industry of Virginia.
Other Watermen’s Associations
Watermen’s Associations promote commercial fishing industry and the culture of working watermen. Some groups have regular meetings and even work with local legislators to promote legislation that improves water quality. A list of contact information for Watermen’s Associations can be found on VMRC’s website. This list was last updated on August 2, 2017.