The use of floating gear in oyster farming has gained popularity because mortality rates are reduced, product quality can be improved, and management of fouling is facilitated. Birds see floating gear as an attractive place to roost. Birds have been implicated in 11 outbreaks of Campylobacteriosis related to shellfish consumption nationwide since 2009.
The National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP) describes the regulations for shellfish harvest, handling and distribution. The FDA, working with the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference has devised regulations and guidance states designed to ensure that commercially harvested shellfish are safe and wholesome. The NSSP requires that if aquaculture gear may attract birds or mammals, operators must provide a written operational plan to describe how to address possible contamination of shellstock and potential adverse impacts to water quality.
The 2023 revision of the NSSP contains guidance on how states can address these concerns and the variety of approaches states can consider to minimize health risks to consumers. State authorities can consider tidal dilution and mandate resubmergence of impacted shellfish prior to harvest. Bird deterrents are mandated in many states and a variety of novel deterrent approaches are being tested. This presentation will describe some of the wide variety measures and regulations that state regulators have adopted to address public health concerns related to bird waste on the East Coast.