Shellfish Health & Biosecurity

Historically, disease has had devastating effects on shellfish stocks and aquaculture farms along the east coast of the United States. Growth and expansion of the shellfish aquaculture industry has largely relied on transfer of hatchery seed between states, and historic disease spread was often associated with the transfer of shellfish. It is important to regulate and streamline the transfer of seed between locations to control for disease. Today, reduced and/or failed clam and oyster hatchery production has been reported in our region. Hatchery production is critical to the shellfish aquaculture industry in Virginia and effective management of shellfish pathogens, both endemic and emerging, remains key to sustainable aquaculture development.

Visit the VIMS Shellfish Pathology Laboratory, run by Dr. Ryan Carnegie, to view their ongoing research into diseases of commercially important molluscs. This laboratory will also evaluate shellfish samples at no charge from industry in the event that there is a disease or health concern.

The Regional Shellfish Seed Biosecurity Program (RSSBP) is a collaboration of industry, scientists, regulators, and extension specialists that are working to provide a science-based pathway to improve interstate seed transfers, which are crucial for industry growth. View the program website to learn more about the tools they provide to reduce the risks of transfer, enhance biosecurity, and facilitate commerce.