Shellfish 101

Last Thursday Aquaculture Specialist Kate Rossi-Snook and Marine Educator Ella Gatfield kickstarted the Back to the Bays 2025 Stewardship season with a successful shellfish event at our SCMELC facility in Southold. Over 20 participants — ranging from young kids to seniors — learned about the life cycle and cultivation (aquaculture) of oysters, bay scallops, and hard clams followed by a tour of our hatchery.

Every year our Southold shellfish hatcheries produce millions of oysters, hard clams, and bay scallops for various restoration and enhancement projects — but what does that really mean? Kate spoke in depth about bivalve life cycles and reproduction behaviors of these valued local shellfish species. Participants (especially the kids) asked great questions which made the experience all the more engaging! When the presentation wrapped up, everyone was eager to see the hatchery in action.

Kate and Ella toured participants through the hatchery. Kate discussed the various processes used to cultivate shellfish. Before the event ended, participants walked through the algae lab; the food used to feed and cultivate the bivalves that we grow.

Our 2025 Stewardship Sessions have just begun, and we have an exciting lineup of events planned for the upcoming season! Register as a Back to the Bays Steward today (link below), and stay tuned to our calendar for updates on upcoming events.