The Gulf Coast oyster industry has suffered a number of setbacks, both natural and man-made, that are challenging an industry built around inexpensive, plentiful oysters. Off-bottom oyster farming for the high-value, half-shell niche market provides an opportunity for Gulf residents to create jobs, provide high-quality oysters for the marketplace and improve the environment.

MSAL Sea Grant-funded scientists, extension staff and legal staff created an integrated program utilizing research and outreach programs on production methods and best management practices leading to the creation of a new oyster farming industry. Based on a situation and outlook survey of 2016 farms, nine of 13 permitted farms reported more than 2.8 million oysters produced on 18.1 acres, with total annual sales of almost $2 million. The nine farms who responded to the survey employed 20 full-time employees and 10 part-time employees. In 2017, there were 15 permitted farms. The oyster farming industry in Alabama was non-existent prior to 2010.

Because of Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant-supported research, U.S. aquaculture feed manufacturers produce improved, widely-used fish feeds that are effective, more sustainable, less expensive to produce, and more competitive on the international market.

Taurine is a nutrient required in the diet of many fish species. In aquaculture, taurine has traditionally been supplied to fish via fishmeal, but scrutiny over the sustainability of fishmeal as a major source of protein has pushed researchers and industry toward using alternative protein sources, such as plants, that contain no taurine.

Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant-supported researchers examined the efficacy and safety of crystalline taurine used in fish feeds and conducted research to fill knowledge gaps. The information was compiled in a document submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) to amend the current taurine definition and include fish as approved species. The FDA and the AAFCO approved the use of crystalline taurine, and as of January 2017, U.S. feed manufacturers could include the nutrient in their formulations. The use of taurine has allowed them to further reduce fishmeal and other animal proteins to reduce cost and improve sustainability of their feeds and to better compete with other manufacturers.

Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant coordinates the Mobile Bay Oyster Gardening Program in Alabama, a volunteer-based project that focuses on education, restoration/enhancement and research by bringing the reef to the people. A restored oyster reef provides critical habitat for popular recreational fish species, as well as tremendous filtration potential to improve water quality. The oyster gardening program restoration efforts within Mobile Bay have restocked nearly 36.5 acres since its inception. In 2016, volunteers restored up to 2.89 acres of oyster reef habitat with an economic value of $55,000.