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Public Outreach, Education, and Extension
Projects
Fisheries and Aquaculture Extension
With a focus on shellfish—important both
commercially and recreationally—and nearshore coastal issues
(e.g., eelgrass decline and water quality), Woods Hole Sea Grant
serves a diverse group, including commercial shellfishermen, aquaculturists,
natural resource managers, researchers, and citizens. Partners include
Cape Cod
Cooperative Extension (CCCE), the Southeastern Massachusetts
Aquaculture Center, and the Barnstable County Shellfish Advisory
Committee.
 Oyster
Restoration
In response to dwindling numbers of oysters, Woods Hole Sea Grant
has worked in cooperation with CCCE to restore banks of oysters
along the shores of Cape Cod. Juvenile oysters, spawned in a hatchery
and attached to pieces of shell, have been deployed in nine towns.
These oysters provide valuable habitat and may improve water quality—and
eventually a nice catch for a fisherman. Drawing by Tessa Morgan
for Woods Hole Sea Grant
Assessment of Shellfish Habitat
Woods Hole Sea Grant has helped to develop a simple, inexpensive
means of assessing and comparing habitats in terms of shellfish
survival and growth. This tool allows shellfish growers and natural
resource managers to identify optimal sites for shellfish. A training
DVD describing this assessment tool will soon be available.
Management of Shellfish Diseases
While the region’s shellfish diseases do not affect human
health, they pose a significant hurdle to shellfish farmers and
to sustainable management of the public shellfisheries. Woods Hole
Sea Grant is working with growers, resource managers, and scientists
to develop reasonable protocols for movement of shellfish as well
as improved culture methods to reduce losses.
 Eelgrass
Restoration
To stem the tide of decline of eelgrass beds across the region,
the program is exploring several methods of restoration of this
valuable habitat. Most recently, Woods Hole Sea Grant has initiated
a field test of planting eelgrass seeds. Seeds, collected from flowering
stalks, are harvested and planted in promising areas. Photo
by Bill Walton, Woods Hole Sea Grant/CCCE
Assistance to the Massachusetts Shellfish
Aquaculture Industry
Woods Hole Sea Grant works closely with shellfish farmers, providing
technical advice and information on issues of concern such as predator
management, control of diseases and marketing issues. Recently,
we assisted with the authoring of Best Management Practices for
the industry as well as development of a regional campaign to identify
Cape Cod and Islands cultured shellfish.
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