The State Is Your Oyster: Cultivating Oyster Farming in North Carolina

Abstract

Oyster mariculture is a growing industry in North Carolina that represents economic and environmental opportunities. The State has created laws and programs that encourage the development of smallholder farms; however, some extant policies and resources are not aligned with the needs of oyster farmers. This report explores how new policies and practices could strengthen smallholder oyster farms and improve their environmental footprint. We interviewed oyster farmers, restaurateurs, government officials, NGOs, and economists and applied relevant Life Cycle Analyses to take stock of the industry in North Carolina today. Our recommendations include altering the current legal framework to offer financial and business planning assistance to aspiring farmers, creating in-state commercial oyster hatcheries and shell recycling facilities, and optimizing programs for the environmental benefits that oysters provide. The final product comprises a business case and resource hub for farmers, policymakers, and other industry stakeholders who seek to learn about the current landscape and future prospects for oyster mariculture in North Carolina.