Determination of the Productive Capacity of the Damariscotta River for Farm-Raised Oysters (Crassostrea virginica)

Project Overview

FNE03-460
Project Type: Farmer
Funds awarded in 2003: $8,255.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2003
Matching Non-Federal Funds: $9,425.00
Region: Northeast
State: Maine
Project Leader:
Dr. Christopher Davis
Email
Pemaquid Oyster Co., Inc.

Commodities

  • Animals: shellfish

Practices

  • Animal Production: grazing - continuous, feed rations
  • Crop Production: nutrient cycling
  • Education and Training: decision support system, extension, farmer to farmer, on-farm/ranch research
  • Production Systems: agroecosystems

    Proposal summary:

    There is a substantial cluster of oyster farms in the Damariscotta River and no specific information on how many farms, and at what density, the river can support. The farmers will evaluate the oceanography, currents, food resources, and optimal stocking density in the river, and the results will be made available to other aquaculturists, environmental groups, and legislators.

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.