The Commercial Shellfish Aquaculture Lab & Team (CSALT) at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) is offering workforce development opportunities that complement existing programs and respond to shellfish aquaculture industry input.
In response to industry demand for individuals with grow-out experience, the shellfish research farm apprenticeship at VIMS is designed to train individuals to be well-rounded members of the shellfish aquaculture workforce. The learning objectives and goals are adopted from the Maine Aquaculture Association’s Occupational Standards for Shellfish and Sea Vegetable Farms for the standards associated with “crew chief” (e.g., operations management, team management, and regulatory compliance). To learn these objectives the apprentice works one-on-one with the farm manager of the CSALT lab on a one-acre research farm in a six-month, full-time position. Throughout the process, crew chief skills are rehearsed and evaluated to ensure proper training. Ideally, trained apprentices are well-positioned for a position with a commercial shellfish farm. The condensed pilot program launched in August of 2024 to guide the program in 2025.
In addition to the apprenticeship, CSALT hosts professional Master’s (MA) degree students through the Batten School of Coastal and Marine Sciences. While the MA program has students studying a variety of disciplines, the programs for students in the CSALT lab are tailored to prepare individuals for careers in shellfish aquaculture. Coursework includes experiential learning on commercial farms and modules in different aspects of bivalve shellfish aquaculture (biology & production, environmental interactions, and socio-economic considerations). Professional development is encouraged, including participation at industry association meetings.
Finally, VIMS students can participate in two-credit, semester long experiential learning opportunities of ‘Shellfish Aquaculture Applied Methods’. These include learning opportunities in the hatchery, nursery, algal production and/or grow-out operations. These courses expose students to new career pathways and provide hands-on learning, framed again around the Maine Aquaculture Association Occupational Standards for Land-Based Shellfish Hatcheries.