Our Courses

This section of the program consists of 10 modules that are packed with relevant topics such as the farming cycle, operational scale, gear selection and installation, biofouling, production, boat protocol, and storm preparation. The information in this section of the program provides a wide range of topics that are to be considered when owning and/or operating an oyster farm. While each farm is unique based on location, operation size, weather, gear type and other factors, the concepts in this section are consistent across the oyster farming industry.

This section includes an interview with Brad Lomax, president and co-founder of Texas Oyster Ranch, the first permitted oyster farm in Texas. An interview with Dr. Lindsey Campbell who oversees the permitting of Commercial Oyster Mariculture with Texas Parks & Wildlife is included, which will undoubtedly point you in the right direction. Last but not least, you will also benefit from multiple detailed videos demonstrating gear installation.

This section of the program consists of 8 modules including topics such as permitting and licensing requirements, site selection, employee management, funding, marketing, and risk management.  This information is necessary in the planning stage of starting an oyster farm. Each module will consist of a combination of videos, interactive lessons, links to valuable resources, and knowledge checks.

This section of the program consists of 10 informative modules that cover topics such as the oyster life cycle, site and enclosure requirements, water quality, biosecurity, broodstock, reproduction, algal culture, and emergency backup systems. Oyster farmers purchase “seed” from oyster hatcheries to grow out on their farms; therefore, the entire oyster farming industry relies on quality production from hatcheries. Important research to improve breeding techniques and build resiliency in oysters also takes place in hatcheries.

Disclaimer: Oyster hatchery work is generally very scientific and typically requires a college degree. This online course is designed to give a broad overview of the process to highlight the importance of oyster hatcheries in the industry, so dive into this lesson to learn more about the work that takes place behind the scenes of all successful oyster farm harvests. If you’re interested in pursuing a college degree in this field, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi has a program that will help you accomplish your goals!