FUTURE OFF-BOTTOM AQUACULTURE HARVESTERS
The Off-Bottom Oyster Aquaculture Training Program is designed to provide aspiring commercial oyster farmers in Mississippi with a comprehensive foundation in off-bottom oyster aquaculture. The 30-hour, no-cost course equips participants with the essential knowledge necessary to begin oyster farming operations. Classes will be held on Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to approximately noon. The course will cover the following topics:
- Oyster biology
- Hatchery basics
- Nursery options
- Seed handling
- Farm site selection
- An overview of off-bottom culture gear
- Fouling control methods
- Splitting and grading
- Business planning
- Risk management
- Permitting requirements
- Public health considerations
- Marketing
Participants will receive approximately 10,000 oyster seed to gain hands-on experience with oyster culture and the opportunity to utilize one “run” of oyster farming gear within the Deer Island Oyster Park.
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PHASE ONE |
Includes classroom and field education on aquaculture, business operations and demonstrations
of off-bottom aquaculture techniques. During the first phase, participants attend training meetings, workshops, receive assistance with development of a business plan, deploy grow-out systems at training site(s) and stock those systems with seed.
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PHASE TWO |
Incorporate hands-on training by allowing participants to select an oyster-growing technique from the range of permitted methods using information gained from phase one. Participants will maintain their assigned gear and oyster seed, including all aspects of fouling control, grading, splitting and site maintenance following best management practices. Instructors and participants will periodically evaluate oyster survival, growth and quality, as well as comparing individual success among program participants to facilitate collaborative learning. |
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If all requirements are completed the participants will be eligible to sublease two acres from the MDMR to begin their own off-bottom oyster aquaculture business. |
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The Off-Bottom Oyster Aquaculture Training Program has limited capacity and priority selection will be given to individuals currently involved in the Mississippi commercial seafood industry, particularly those who have held commercial seafood licenses (harvester, processor, etc.) for at least three of the last five years.
The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) will begin accepting applications for the 2027 – 2028 Off-Bottom Oyster Aquaculture Training Program in the Spring of 2027.
Interested participants must meet the following items to enroll:
Be a full-time Mississippi resident living in Hancock, Harrison, or Jackson counties with the ability to attend training
Be at least 18 years old as of May 1st, 2027
Have a valid boat registration in the applicant’s name
Possess a valid Mississippi driver’s license
Must be present at the required informational session (Take out – on Tuesday, March 31st, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.)
For more information about enrolling and eligibility requirements, please contact the MDMR Shellfish Bureau staff at oyster@dmr.ms.gov or 228-374-5000.