Oyster Farmers in Mississippi Take Control of Oyster Reef Management to Meet Nationwide Demand
As the demand for oysters continues to rise across the country, oyster farmers along the Gulf Coast are facing challenges in keeping up. To address this issue, Mississippi has introduced a new leasing program that allows businesses and individuals to take control of oyster reef production and maintenance.
The Impact of Hurricanes on Oyster Production
Oyster farmers like Mike Arguelles, Co-Owner of French Hermit Oyster Co., have experienced the damaging effects of major storms on their oyster farms. Hurricanes like Ida and Zeta disrupted oyster production, highlighting the vulnerability of the industry.
Mike Arguelles inspects his oyster bag.
Arguelles currently harvests oysters from cages located five miles off the Gulf Coast. However, relying solely on cage farming is insufficient to meet the demands of the seafood industry.
Building Oyster Reefs for Sustainable Production
In order to expand his oyster production, Arguelles is now looking to build his own oyster reefs on the ocean floor. He explains that the ocean floor needs to be suitable and hard enough for the oysters to thrive without sinking. Certain areas have the potential to become ideal locations for oyster reefs.
Mike Arguelles prys open an oyster.
A New Leasing Program for Oyster Reef Management
The state of Mississippi has introduced a leasing program aimed at boosting oyster production. Joe Spraggins, the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, explains that the lease allows businesses and individuals to create oyster reefs in areas that were previously off-limits.
Spraggins further elaborates, “We don’t have the resources to be able to cultch and maintain the full 8,000, 9,000 acres that we would have in that area. And by them being able to lease about 80% of it, then they can go in and do that and that will be able to put the oysters back in.”
This leasing program empowers private individuals to take charge of oyster reef management, making it easier to move oysters during times of disaster.
Mike Arguelles drives his boat alongside his oyster cages.
Increasing Oyster Production and Revenues
The number of oysters sold by Mississippi farmers in 2021 was 213,772, a significant decrease from the 512,651 count in 2020, according to Mississippi State University. With the new leasing program, oyster farmers like Arguelles are optimistic about increasing production and meeting the growing demand for oysters.
The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources has received 80 applications for the leasing program as of September 11th. The leasing areas have yet to be allocated, but the department will closely monitor the leased areas to ensure proper management and sustainability.
With this new leasing program, oyster farmers in Mississippi have the opportunity to take control of oyster reef management, allowing for increased production and a more resilient industry. By building their own oyster reefs, farmers like Mike Arguelles can ensure a sustainable and abundant supply of oysters to meet the demands of seafood lovers across the nation.
