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Oyster farming conference set June 18

By Leah Hoenen
Cape Gazette of Lewes, Delaware
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Kee: Aquaculture has future in state

The Center for the Inland Bays is investigating the potential for aquaculture in the Inland Bays.

The center is hosting a daylong workshop from 8 a.ra to 4 p.m., Saturday, June 18 at the Vir-den Center at the University of Delaware in Lewes.

Keynote speaker Delaware Secretary of Agriculture Ed Kee said,"Despite decades of decline, oysters do have a new future in Delaware."

"With science and good management, oyster production can be, and should be, encouraged and nurtured to resume its place as an important food crop, much the same as peaches, lima beans and chickens are now identified with our state."

Other speakers will include technical experts, resource managers and policy and decisionmakers from across the East Coast. The University of Delaware Sustainable Coastal Communities Initiative and the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control are sponsoring the event.

Center Executive Director Ed Lewandowski said the event is in response to inquiries about the potential for commercial aquaculture in the Inland Bays. He said the conference will be a first step in exploring the feasibility of shellfish aquaculture, while fostering conversation among stakeholders about whether aquaculture in the bays is a reasonable expectation.

The center, working with the

University of Delaware's Marine Advisory Service, has successfully grown oysters at more than BO sites in the bays as part of a water-quality improvement initiative. Registration is open until Friday, June 3. The event costs $15, which includes a continental breakfast and a luncheon.

For more information, visit in-landbays.org or contact center Restoration Coordinator E.J. Chalabala at 226-8105.





© 2011 Cape Gazette Lewes, Delaware. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

Original Publication Date: May 27, 2011

Copyright: © 2011 Cape Gazette Lewes, Delaware. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.


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