Abundant natural resources present significant potential for the expansion of the shellfish aquaculture industry in the Carolinas and Georgia. However, one barrier to continued industry development that has been identified is the lack of training opportunities for prospective shellfish growers. Workforce development is a fundamental component for the growth and expansion of any industry, including shellfish aquaculture.
The North Carolina Shellfish Farming Academy (NCSFA) is the product of a regional project “Developing a Framework to Expand Comprehensive Training Opportunities for Prospective Shellfish Growers in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia” funded by NOAA Sea Grant ’s New Aquaculture Opportunities - 2019, NOAA-OAR-SG-2019-2005960, and directly addresses this barrier . NCSFA is an 8-week course comprised of 24 hours of classroom instruction and 24 hours of hands-on field day experience. The course is offered through the Carteret Community College Department of Continuing Education and was designed to prepare students for entry into the NC shellfish aquaculture industry.
This paper will cover the approach taken to acquire resources, form partnerships and provide solutions for the challenges presented in the creation, launch and sustained delivery of the North Carolina Shellfish Farming Academy in the midst of a global pandemic.