Delivering for Florida Shellfish Farmers

2025:

  • Secured $500,000 in state funding to support and enhance commercial clam and oyster hatcheries and nurseries across our state. Funding supported 8 projects producing clam and oyster seed.

  • Secured $500,000 in recurring state funding to support oyster research at the FSU Coastal Marine Lab. This funding is game changing in developing Florida’s capacity to conduct research beneficial to the commercial industry.

  • Established a Direct Support Organization (DSO) called the Florida Aquaculture Foundation in state statute.  It creates critical infrastructure for the shellfish industry to receive state support after hurricanes or other natural disasters.

  • Passed HB1143 “Kill the Drill” Legislation unanimously through the Florida Legislature and secured the Governor’s signature. This bill provides permanent protections to shellfish farmers in the Apalachicola Bay Region from the threat of oil drilling upriver.

  • Increased promotion of Florida farm-raised shellfish through the Fresh From Florida Program including statewide radio promos during the summer.

    2024:

  • Secured $500,000 for Hatchery and Nursery Grants from the State of Florida. These grants supported 6 new and existing Hatchery projects and 4 Nursery projects that helped meet the growing demand for high quality seed for clam and oyster farmers across the state.

  • Conducted FSAA first ever Lobby Day with 10 clam and oyster farmers meeting with 14 lawmakers and their staff to uplift the story of Florida shellfish and the need to support our industry.

    2019-2023:

  • Supported the successful passage of FL legislation to protect the confidentiality of shellfish aquaculture farmers inventory and production reports.

  • Prevented FDACS from imposing 5:00 PM harvesting deadline for the harvest of clams in Florida.

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