Alternative Oyster Culture Grant, Informational Meeting Scheduled

What: Alternative Oyster Aquaculture (AOC) Informational Meeting
When: Aug. 14, 2024 – 10 a.m.
Where: Joe Herring Room, LDWF Headquarters, 2000 Quail Drive, Baton Rouge, LA.

Louisiana Sea Grant (LASG), the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) are hosting an informational meeting on Alternative Oyster Culture (AOC) in Louisiana on Aug. 14 at 10 a.m. at LDWF headquarters in Baton Rouge. This meeting is for Louisiana residents interested in general AOC information and learning more about LDWF’s $1 million competitive grants program for large-scale AOC operations. LDWF has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the competitive grants program with an application deadline of Aug. 31, 2024.

Agenda

10:00-10:10 am – Introduction: Earl Melancon, LASG

10:10-10:25 am – Overview of Present AOC Culture Methods in Louisiana: Wood Oglesby, LASG

10:30-10:45 am – State Permitting Requirements to be an AOC Business: Denise Kinsey, LDWF

10:50-11:05 am – State Health Needs for an AOC Fishery: Jennifer Armentor, LDH

11:10-11:25 am – Oyster Seed Availability for Louisiana AOC Growers: Elizabeth Robinson, LASG

11:30-11:50 am – Overview of AOC Economics in Louisiana: Dan Petrolia, Mississippi State University

11:55-12:15 pm – RFP for Large-Scale AOC Operations Grants: Patrick Banks, LDWF

12:15-12:45 pm – Q&A Audience Participation

Information about the large-scale AOC operations grants RFP can be found at www.wlf.louisiana.gov/assets/Fishing/Commercial_Fishing/Files/Commercial-Oyster/Large-Scale-AOC-Grant-Program-Guidelines—FINAL.pdf.

General Information about Alternative Oyster Culture in Louisiana can be found at www.lafisheriesforward.org/alternative-oyster-culture/.