The Maryland Shellfish Growers Network is pleased to host the 2020 Maryland Shellfish Aquaculture Conference. Join us to learn the latest about the shellfish aquaculture industry from scientists, managers, and industry leaders. This year's conference is going virtual due to the coronavirus pandemic. Besides the webinar, in-person options may be available. If you are unable to participate remotely and are interested in possible in-person options, contact Allison Colden at 443-482-2160 to join the in-person registration waiting list.
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
Registration opens in early August. This event is free to attend, but registration is required. Check back soon for a link to register.
CONFERENCE PROGRAM
| 8:30 a.m. | Welcome & Webinar Logistics Overview |
| 8:40 a.m. | Opening Remarks Don Webster, University of Maryland Extension |
| 8:45 a.m. | Keynote Address Paul Zajicek, President, National Aquaculture Association |
| 9:15 a.m. | Marketing & Branding for Industry Diversification Moderator: Matt Parker, UMD Extension |
| 10:15 a.m. | New Horizons: Tech & Innovation in Aquaculture Moderator: Shannon Hood, UMD Extension |
| 11:15 a.m. | Lunch break (30 minutes) |
| 11:45 a.m. | Nutrient Credit Trading: Challenges & Opportunities Moderator: TBD |
| 12:45 p.m. | Aquaculture Finance: Securing Capital & Protecting Investments Moderator: Scott Knoche, Director, MSU PEARL Lab |
| 1:50 p.m. | Closing Remarks TBD |
| 2:00 p.m. | Adjourn |
Conference agenda is subject to change.
SESSION DESCRIPTIONS
Marketing & Branding for Industry Diversification
Moderator: Matt Parker, UMD Extension
So you’ve got oysters to sell—now what? Marketing and branding are key to success in the aquaculture industry. Growers and experts share their tips and experience to maximize sales and profit.
New Horizons: Tech & Innovation in Aquaculture
Moderator: Shannon Hood, UMD Extension
Growers and experts explore ways in which new and emerging technologies can increase production, streamline farm management, and improve efficiency for higher profits.
Nutrient Credit Trading: Challenges & Opportunities
Moderator: TBD
Nutrient credit trading has been touted as a ‘gamechanger’ for the oyster aquaculture industry, but how does it actually work? Growers and experts weigh in on how to take advantage of this growing opportunity and discuss challenges to implementation.
Aquaculture Finance: Securing Capital & Protecting Your Investments
Moderator: Scott Knoche, Director, MSU PEARL Lab
From start-up to expansion to maintenance and operations, money makes the oyster farm run. Growers and economists review options for finding capital, maximizing profits, and protecting your investments for long-term financial sustainability.
