Over the past several years, oyster aquaculture for the homeowner, or oyster gardening, has gained tremendous popularity. Tidewater Oyster Gardeners Association was formed in 1997 to promote oyster gardening and serve as an educational resource for oyster gardeners.

"It quickly became apparent to us that experts were needed to help oyster gardeners evaluate conditions at their growing location, assist in identifying predators, help locate needed materials and supplies," said Jackie Partin, co-founder and first President of the Tidewater Oyster Gardeners Association.

Through a grant from the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Program VIMS and the Tidewater Oyster Gardeners Association are offering a second Master Oyster Gardeners course June 28 - July 1, 1999 at the VIMS Gloucester Point campus. This program is designed to provide an intensive academic and practical course in oyster aquaculture and to prepare the participants to serve as a resource for oyster gardeners in their communities. The first class was held in 1998 and graduated nineteen enthusiastic Master Oyster Gardeners.

Topics include: history of the oyster fishery in Virginia, worldwide oyster aquaculture, basic oyster biology, shellfish diseases, breeding programs, hatchery operation and seed production, growing sites and structures, recognition of predators, and governmental regulations. In addition to classroom activities, participants will spend an entire day working in the VIMS Hatchery. Field trips to the Piankatank River oyster reefs and the Middle Peninsula Aquaculture Hatchery are also part of the 3 1/2 day course. VIMS faculty and staff, VMRC personnel and representatives of the Virginia Health Department will teach classes.

Admission to this program is limited to twenty people, and a strict selection process will be used. Participants must have been growing oysters for a minimum of one year and be willing to commit to helping other gardeners for not less than a year following completion of the course.

For more information, please call Jackie Partin at (804) 694-4407

Related Link: Restoration and Gardening of the Chesapeake Bay Oyster