From peaches to oysters? Georgia’s newest culinary trend.

You may think of Georgia as the land of peaches and football, but there’s a new addition to the culinary scene that is making waves – Georgia oysters. Thanks to the groundbreaking work of the Georgia Shellfish Research Laboratory, which is part of the UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, these delicious bivalves are taking center stage.
By utilizing their hatchery to lease oyster seedlings to farms, the laboratory is fostering the growth of Georgia farm-raised oysters.
So, how does it all come together? The laboratory’s dedicated team focuses on spawning oysters within their hatchery, producing oyster seeds that are used for oyster aquaculture. These seedlings can also be set directly on oyster shells. In the wild, oysters naturally grow in a tight and restricted area that allows them to survive.
However, in the hatchery, the oysters are settled on individual grains of sand. This unique method allows for better handling and individual growth, as oysters only attach themselves once in their lifetime. Once the seedlings reach the desired size, they are transferred into cages, where it becomes the responsibility of the farmers to maintain them and prevent other substances from settling.
The Department of Natural Resources plays a crucial role in the process by issuing leases to oyster farms for the use of floating gear. These leases, awarded through a lottery system, allow oyster farmers to grow their crops.
Currently, two farms, EL Macintosh and Son and Tybee Oyster Company, are using the oyster seedlings, with more farms expected to join the industry in the near future.
What sets Georgia oysters apart? According to Tom Bliss, Director at Shellfish Research Laboratory, the taste and flavor of oysters can vary depending on the region. Georgia oysters, being grown in our local waters, offer a distinctive and slightly saltier flavor.
Looking ahead, the laboratory has ambitious goals for the program and the state of oysters in Georgia. In the next five years, they hope to see more leases issued by the Department of Natural Resources. The oyster industry is expected to flourish, hopefully positioning Georgia as a leader in oyster farming in the Southeast.
It’s important to note, however, that the primary focus of the aquaculture program is food production. Georgia is fortunate to have healthy wild reef and oyster populations. The aim of the laboratory is to meet the demand for oysters while ensuring the protection and preservation of these natural resources. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a dozen oysters, don’t just settle for any oysters. Ask for Georgia oysters. Help to keep Georgia’s farming industry thriving, adding a whole new dimension to Savannah’s culinary landscape.
The Shellfish Research Lab is part of UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant. For more information about their work, visit gacoast.uga.edu.
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