Fundamentals of Shellfish Farming
Registration for the 2023 Class is now open. To register, please email aarcher@barnstablecounty.org.
The Fundamentals of Shellfish Farming class will be offered in 2023 via Zoom on Wednesday nights starting on January 26th. Class will meet from 7-8:15 p.m.. If you are interested in this class please email aarcher@barnstablecounty.org.
The schedule is as follows:
January 18
January 25February 1February 8
February 15
March 1March 8
March 22
April 5April 12
April 12-24 Take Home Exam Time
- Submit exam by 12PM on Monday April 24
Note: NO Zoom class Feb 22, March 15, March 29 but reading/watching materials will be assigned
This 10-week virtual interactive course will cover the basics of shellfish aquaculture with an emphasis on learning practical information. Students will be introduced to shellfish biology, hatchery & nursery production, field grow-out of oysters and clams, and safe shellfish handling and harvest practices. The course will also include materials on the management of predators, pests and diseases, as well as basic information on business management, permitting, and safety.
Staff from Cape Cod Cooperative Extension and Woods Hole Sea Grant will teach this course along with guest lectures from people who farm shellfish for a living and experts in particular fields such as shellfish diseases and permitting procedures.
Every week a reading or homework assignment will be given that should take 30 minutes outside of class time. Additional optional field trips will be offered (times and dates to be determined) if it is safe to do so considering the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cost for the 10-week course is $75.00.If cost is a concern please contact aarcher@barnstablecounty.org for scholarship options.
Students wishing to receive a certificate of successful completion of the course will take a final open-book exam. Certification will be issued by the Southeastern Massachusetts Aquaculture Center (SEMAC) Board of Directors to students with an exam score of 80% or better.