MOREHEAD CITY – The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is partnering with several agencies and organizations to host the North Carolina Aquaculture Gear Management and Storm Preparedness Workshop.
This free workshop will take place via GoToWebinar on April 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and it is open to all commercial N.C. shellfish growers. Registration for the workshop is open.
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Workshop participants will learn how to develop a storm preparedness plan for their shellfish aquaculture farm in line with current state initiatives to improve storm readiness. Attendees also will learn how to properly manage, maintain, and deploy their gear to avoid loss. In addition to the negative economic impact that lost gear can have on shellfish growers, derelict gear can pose navigational hazards and harm wildlife.
The workshop provides an opportunity to bring shellfish growers and other stakeholders together to discuss important issues impacting the shellfish aquaculture industry and to help improve aquaculture gear management and storm preparedness statewide. With the number of severe storms impacting the shellfish aquaculture industry increasing every year, the workshop will provide tools for growers to use to prepare themselves and their farms for these storm events.
“We are hoping to bring the success this program has had in other states to North Carolina,” said Jacob Boyd, Division of Marine Fisheries Habitat and Enhancement section chief.
Free aquaculture gear tags will also be provided to interested shellfish farmers who attend the workshop.
Other workshop sponsors include NOAA’s Marine Debris Program, the National Weather Service, and the North Carolina Coastal Federation for the North Carolina Aquaculture Gear Management and Storm Preparedness Workshop, and North Carolina Sea Grant.
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