Oglesby Promoted to Alternative Oyster Culture Role

Wood Oglesby has been named Louisiana Sea Grant’s (LSG) Alternative Oyster Culture Program outreach coordinator. He will begin his new position in January 2022.

Oglesby began working for LSG in 2019 as a research associate at the Michael C. Voisin Oyster Hatchery on Grand Isle. In 2020, he became hatchery farm manager.

“My team and I were responsible for supporting all facets of hatchery operations and maintaining proper husbandry practices of oyster larvae and seed,” said Oglesby. In his new position, Oglesby will be an extension-type liaison working with new and existing farmers to help them develop alternative culture oyster businesses.

Alternative oyster culture (AOC) is when oysters grow in floating cages or bottom-placed cages attached to pylons. This method allows the cages to be raised and lowered to protect oysters from predators, fouling and the burial effects of disasters like hurricanes.

“I am looking forward to working with our farmers, building relationships and assisting with the development of the best AOC practices for the oyster industry in Louisiana,” said Oglesby.

“Over the last few years, the oyster industry has experienced significant setbacks due to weather related events. Hurricane Ida was just another blow to an already struggling industry. Since Ida, there are a number of programs underway to give our oystermen hope for the future of the oyster industry. The AOC program is another way our farmers can diversify their crop moving forward,” Oglesby added.

Oglesby received his bachelor’s degree in marine biology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and completed coursework in the aquaculture program at Carteret Community College in Morehead City, NC.