Clemson researchers work to boost seafood market in South Carolina

Oyster mariculture is rising in South Carolina and Clemson researchers are working with the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium, S.C. Farm Bureau, S.C. Center for Cooperative and Enterprise Enchancment, Nationwide Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and America Division of Agriculture to advance this enterprise.

S.C. Sea Grant Consortium

DENISE ATTAWAY
Clemson College

GEORGETOWN – Seameals consumption is developing and Clemson College researchers are collaborating with researchers from completely different entities To Search out out The biggest Method To assist the seameals market develop in South Carolina.

Recently, the researchers held a webinar To elucidate how producers can revenue from the shellfish mariculture enterprise in South Carolina.

Marzieh Motallebi, an environmental economist and assistant professor at Clemson’s Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, said the Nationwide Restaurant Affiliation’s annual survey of cooks placeed regionally sourced meats and seameals as a prime meals development in America. That is Good information for South Carolina seameals producers, However It is not sure In the event that they’re In a place To revenue from this development. Challenges embrace manufacturing factors Similar to lack of oyster seed, current producer licensing system, finance decisions, As properly as to climate and illness.

“As quickly as we talked with oyster developers, we have been informed the prolonged permitting course of And pricey licensing for developers in South Carolina, As properly as to The scarcity of steerage for these course ofes have been primary factors,” Motallebi said. “Monetary factors additionally acquired here up frequently. Growers said elevating enough money to Pay money for new gear Can be troublesome and there aren’t many decisions for federal crop insurance coverage for aquaculture.”

Other challenges embrace submit-harvest obstacles Similar to lack of course ofing amenities, transportation and storage logistics; market entry and buying for factors Are additionally hindrances. The researchers think about Establishing chilly storage and distribution hubs would assist put extra native seameals on South Carolina consumers’ plates.