Shellfish Aquaculture
Studying Shellfish, from Seed to Half Shell
VIMS & Batten School scientists and students are at the forefront of efforts to enhance productivity and resiliency in the shellfish industry. Our innovations build upon a legacy of work critical to the survival of the eastern oyster, surf clam, bay scallop and ocean quahog. From hatchery to harvest, we study shellfish from every angle to ensure industry practices are grounded in reliable science and business owners are prepared to respond to dynamic environmental conditions.
A Center for Collaborative Aquaculture Research
Home to VIMS & the Batten School's Shellfish Aquaculture Program (SAP), our state-of-the-art Acuff Center for Aquaculture is a 20,000-square-foot shellfish hatchery supporting collaborative research, education, and advisory teams. State-of-the-art seawater filtration and climate-control systems maintain optimal specialized algae and broodstock critical to research and industry services. The diverse expertise housed within the Acuff Center are focused on solution-oriented science to improve shellfish production and develop tools that improve management and resiliency in Virginia and beyond.
Supplying Oyster Farmers with Science-Backed Broodstock
As the most extensive breeding program for oysters in the nation, our Aquaculture Genetics & Breeding Technology Center (ABC) advances sustainable shellfish aquaculture through selective breeding and applied genetics. Since 1997, ABC has led efforts to revitalize the eastern oyster by developing high-performing, disease-tolerant broodstock tailored to diverse environmental conditions and production strategies. Through strong partnerships with growers and resource managers, ABC delivers research-backed solutions that strengthen Virginia’s oyster aquaculture industry.
Shellfish Specialization a Pearl in Graduate Degrees
“We have been a leader in the field of shellfish aquaculture for decades. As we built out the curriculum, we worked with our students and partners to design courses of value — so that knowledge and perspective would prepare our graduates for the diversity of career paths available to them in this field. I have not seen any other school that has something quite like this.” - Bill Walton, Acuff Professor & Shellfish Aquaculture Program Coordinator
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