Source: PRESS RELEASE, 3/12/21 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. 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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