Aquaculture America 2026

February 16 - 19, 2026

Las Vegas, Nevada

Add To Calendar 19/02/2026 11:15:0019/02/2026 11:35:00America/Los_AngelesAquaculture America 2026OYSTER RESOURCE AND RECOVERY CENTER AT HARTE RESEARCH INSTITUTE AT TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY - CORPUS CHRISTI: OYSTER FARMING WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND FIELD-BASED PAID INTERNSHIPSVersaille 3The World Aquaculture Societyjohnc@was.orgfalseDD/MM/YYYYanrl65yqlzh3g1q0dme13067

OYSTER RESOURCE AND RECOVERY CENTER AT HARTE RESEARCH INSTITUTE AT TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY - CORPUS CHRISTI: OYSTER FARMING WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND FIELD-BASED PAID INTERNSHIPS

Ellis Chapman, Program Director* and Toi Tippin, Program Manager*

 

Harte Research Institute at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Oyster Resource & Recovery Program

6300 Ocean Drive

Corpus Christi, Texas 78412

ellis.chapman@tamucc.edu, toi.tippin@tamucc.edu

 



The Oyster Resource and Recovery Center (ORRC) is designed to enhance and support workforce development in the Texas oyster (Crassostrea virginica) mariculture industry. Our easily accessible online programs are free and offered in English and Spanish. They include oyster hatchery, oyster farming, and business planning and focus on providing basic knowledge of a working oyster hatchery or farm. The ORRC also provides 12-week paid field-based internship opportunities to equip individuals with the necessary skills for successful long-term careers in the industry. In addition to workforce development, the ORRC also hosts public informational workshops with relevant industry speakers and demonstrations along the coast of Texas. Participants gain valuable insight into the operational aspects of oyster farming including the permitting process, site and gear selection, business planning, funding and insurance resources, hatchery, nursery, and farm management, and shucking demonstrations with local farm fresh oysters. This presentation will highlight the innovative workforce development initiatives, internship opportunities, and workshops hosted by ORRC, aimed at fostering a new generation of aquaculture professionals.