UTRGV’s Bivalve Research Group (BRG) is interested in all issues related to bivalves such as oysters, clams and mussels.
We are located at UTRGV’s Coastal Studies Laboratory (CSL) situated on South Padre Island off of the Lower Laguna Madre (LLM).
You can reach us by contacting Dr. Joanne Rampersad (aka Dr. Jo) at joanne.rampersadammons@utrgv.edu.
Here are some of the current activities of the BRG:
- Oyster Hatchery: The BRG is establishing an oyster hatchery at the CSL. The purpose of the hatchery is to provide oyster seed for the commercial oyster culture in the Lower Laguna Madre (LLM). The BRG will begin building the hatchery in spring of 2021, and limited amounts of oyster seed are expected to become available later that year.
- Oyster Culture: The BRG is undertaking studies to promote the commercial culture of oysters in the Lower Laguna Madre (LLM). Our activities focus on 1) making oyster culture accessible to individuals of limited financial means by developing affordable and labor-saving methods to culture oysters in the LLM, and 2) determining the environmental impact of oyster culture, especially its impact on sea grasses of the LLM.
- Oyster Reef Health: Oysters filter/clean large volumes of water, provide important habitat and food for other sea creatures, and help prevent coastal erosion. In short, oysters are critical for the health of coastal water systems and provide vital ecosystem services. Although oysters grow well in the LLM, they struggle to form healthy reefs. The BRG is currently researching the tools and knowledge necessary to promote self-sustaining, healthy oyster reefs in the LLM.
- Clam Culture: When we think of clams, we think of the East Coast of the United States. However, the same type of clam that lives along the New England coast also lives in the LLM. The BRG is undertaking studies on the feasibility of culturing clams in the LLM, with the ultimate goal of establishing a sustainable, environmentally friendly clam industry in the LLM.
|
|