Oyster Aquaculture Workforce Development Program
Cultivating the Future of Texas Oysters
What is the ORRC?
The Oyster Resource & Recovery Center (ORRC) at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies is a premier initiative offering comprehensive training in oyster hatchery oyster farming, and business development. This engaging online workforce development program is offered in English and Spanish and equips participants with the skills and knowledge necessary for successful oyster farming by covering topics such as oyster hatchery operations, equipment installation, cultivation methods, permit application requirements, and much more. Led by renowned experts, our program equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary for successful oyster farming, covering topics such as hatchery management, seed production, cultivation methods, and environmental factors.
Dive into Oyster Agriculture
Get ready to cultivate your knowledge of oyster hatchery and farming!
Our online courses are completely free and available in both English and Spanish.
Learn everything you need to know about this rewarding and sustainable practice. Enroll today and start cultivating your oyster expertise!
Explore our Areas of Study
Whether you are looking to start your workforce journey in oyster aquaculture or starting over with a new career, the Oyster Resource and Recovery Center offers the first micro-credentialing opportunity in Texas to support the need for a strong labor force in a rapidly growing industry. Upon successful completion of each module, participants will receive a certificate of completion from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and interested participants will be considered for paid work experience in an oyster hatchery or on an oyster farm.
Oyster Aquaculture Business Planning
Oyster Farming
Oyster Hatchery
News Stories
Discover Oysters Across Texas
Oysters serve as a major economic driver for coastal communities in Texas, serve as valuable habitat for sportfish, remove nitrogen and carbon from coastal waters, and help stabilize shorelines. Unfortunately, due to catastrophic events in recent years including major hurricanes, large oil spills, and variability in rainfall, yields from the Texas oyster fishery have been historically unpredictable. Through managed oyster aquaculture, oyster growth and development can become more sustainable, providing valuable ecosystem and economic services to communities.
Oyster aquaculture is a new industry to Texas thanks to the passage of recent legislation. Signed into law in 2019, the first permit for oyster aquaculture in Texas was issued by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in 2021. The Oyster Resource and Recovery Center plans to train local stakeholders in oyster aquaculture and help develop a strong workforce within the industry.