The Aquaculture Genetics and Breeding Technology Center (ABC) at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) in Gloucester Point, Virginia performs research, training and broodstock grow-out across five locations in Chesapeake Bay.
VIMS operates a lease along the shoreline of the Gloucester Point campus where gear types include rack and bag, bottom cages and an adjustable long line system. The salinity at this site ranges generally from 14-23ppt and two endemic diseases can be found here including Perkinsus marinus and Haplosporidium nelsoni. Portions of the lease are used to grow and select ABC broodstock, whereas bottom cages are used to grow line or family seed or sometimes deploy smaller collaborative projects. The adjustable long line system, capable of holding roughly 600 baskets, is primarily used for testing ABC family material. There are also a limited number of rebar racks used on that lease to host projects or grow out ABC material. VIMS also has access to a pier in Sarahs Creek, a creek off the York River a few miles from VIMS. ABC uses a system of 40+ Taylor floats there for a variety of purposes including, but not limited to overwintering experiments, temporary storage and for naturally conditioning broodstock.
ABC has an agreement with Rappahannock River Oyster company to use part of their leased grounds near the mouth of Locklies Creek. Gear utilized on site includes bottom cages and specially designed set of tall rebar racks (24” depth at mean low water), allowable as part of a special permit through the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC). Custom wire trays or cages have been affixed to the racks; at the designated height, oysters are reared high in the water column and get regular air exposure. This site is primarily used for broodstock grow out for industry and the salinity generally ranges from 10-15ppt.
ABC has an agreement with KCB Oyster Holdings, LLC in the Coan River to use part of their leased grounds. Gear utilized on site includes bottom cages, rebar racks and a specially designed set of tall rebar racks (23” depth at mean low water), allowable as part of a special permit through VMRC. Custom wire trays hold adjustable long line baskets. This site is used to select low salinity ABC broodstock, to test ABC family material and for hosting collaborative research projects. The salinity is typically 8-13ppt and the disease pressure is low.
ABC co-owns and operates an adjustable long line system with UMCES Horn Point Laboratory in the Choptank River, MD. The salinity can be as low as 5-13ppt. ABC typically uses 2/3 of the farm (~500 baskets) for testing ABC family material.