NC Sea Grant Resource Pages
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Resources
NOAA Fish Watch: Overview of information about different types of shellfish, mariculture techniques, etc.
New Grower Resources
NC Shellfish Siting Tool: This interactive tool helps current or new growers determine the feasibility, potential risks, and longterm sustainability of sites in NC. The tool is based on factors such as salinity, bottom type, depth soundings, shellfish growing area classifications, and much more.
Division of Marine Fisheries Shellfish Lease Program: General information about the Shellfish Lease and Franchise Program and how to apply for shellfish bottom or water column leases.
North Carolina’s Under Dock Oyster Culture Program (UDOC): This page has details on the UDOC program, which allows qualified permit holders to attach up to 90 square feet of oyster cultivation containers to their coastal dock or pier.
Miscellaneous Resources
North Carolina Oyster Blueprint: The Oyster Restoration and Protection Plan for North Carolina provides direction for stakeholders in implementing oyster restoration, management, and economic development strategies to produce tangible benefits to the environment and economy.
Clams in North Carolina: Inputs, Outputs, and Economics: This publication was created by the NC Dept. of Agriculture, Division of Aquaculture and Natural Resources, to provide guidance for individuals interested in starting a clam aquaculture business. It’s intended to give farmers an idea of the inputs and outputs of clam aquaculture in NC, as well as the potential costs, returns, and resource requirements.
Intertidal Lentz System of Bag Culturing Oysters: This powerpoint describes a new, experimental technique for culturing oysters in intertidal zones created by Jerry Ryggs and Ray RaLonde. This growout system, which is currently being used in the state of Washington, reduces labor and cost inputs.
NC Oyster Trail is an initiative of the North Carolina Coastal Federation and North Carolina Sea Grant in partnership with the North Carolina Shellfish Growers Association to provide oyster tourism experiences that help sustain and grow N.C. oyster supply and demand, resulting in economic, environmental and social benefits to the state’s seafood industry and coastal communities.