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Oystober 2021

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This October we're celebrating oysters and aquaculture!

Do you know the science behind the slurp?

After disease nearly wiped out the Chesapeake Bay’s oyster fishery, a VIMS research team spearheaded the extraordinary revival of the industry by developing fast-growing, disease-resistant oyster strains, and working with industry to develop aquaculture. Now Virginia is #1 for production of the tasty Crassostrea virginica – the Eastern oyster.

Though our ground-breaking research has made any month a good month for oysters, we like to think of October as OYSTOBER. Join us throughout the month to learn more about your favorite bivalves and how VIMS became a global leader in shellfish aquaculture science.

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Special Oystober Events

Oyster-themed Lab Tour
Tuesday, October 5, 1:30-3:00pm
VIMS Gloucester Point Campus

The Science Behind the Slurp
Wednesday, October 13, 6:30-8:30pm
Island House Restaurant, Wachapreague, VA

Oyster-themed Lab Tour
Tuesday, October 19, 1:30-3:00pm
VIMS Gloucester Point Campus

A Scientist Walks into an Oyster Bar
Friday, October 22
Union Street Public House, Alexandria, VA

After-Hours Lecture: The Science Behind the Slurp
Thursday, October 28, 7:00pm
VIMS Gloucester Point Campus and Online

Events are free; registration is required.
Visit our events calendar for registration and more information.

Oyster research in the news

Oyster & Oyster-related videos

  • Tour the Kauffman Aquaculture Center Oyster Hatchery
  • Ocean Acidification and Oysters
  • Harmful Algal Blooms
  • Shellfish Disease

Links to our oyster research

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Aquaculture Genetics & Breeding Technology Center (ABC)

Learn how scientists at VIMS use a combination of selective breeding and genetic research to domesticate the native Eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica for aquaculture and to improve on traits such as survival, growth rate, shape, and meat yield. Discover more.

Shellfish Pathology

The VIMS Shellfish Pathology Laboratory studies the diseases of commercially important mollusks like oysters and clams. Discover more.

Shellfish Outlook Reports

The Marine Advisory Program at VIMS is a leader in aquaculture initiatives across the Commonwealth. One of their annual products is the “Shellfish Aquaculture Situation and Outlook Report” that provides a look at reported yields from shellfish aquaculture farming in Virginia. Discover more.

Marine Physiological Ecology

Current research includes examining the physiological, molecular, and ecological responses of marine and estuarine organisms, including oysters, to stressors such as climate or other environmental change. Discover more.

Water Quality and Harmful Algal Blooms (HABS)

Research by VIMS scientists helps health officials and community members understand the impact of harmful algal blooms on marine organisms – wild and farmed – and human health. Discover more.

Wild Oyster Populations

The Molluscan Ecology Program’s origins are from the original oyster biologists at the Virginia Fisheries Laboratory, the organizational ancestor to VIMS. Scientists provide research-based advisory service to the Commonwealth of Virginia for oyster biology, ecology, restoration, and fishery management. Discover more.

Oysters in the News

Access recent and archived news stories, journal articles, and other oyster-related web resources at VIMS on our Oyster topic page.

Virginia Oyster Productivity Information Tool

Learn about the oyster industry as it exists today, examine the regulatory framework, and examine issues that impact future expansion.

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