THE OYSTER RESOURCE IN NORTH CAROLINA

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1 THE OYSTER RESOURCE IN NORTH CAROLINA NC DIVISION OF MARINE FISHERIES November 2010

2 History of Oysters in North Carolina Wide distribution of shell middens indicates utilization by Native Americans Early coastal residents bartered bushels of oysters for agricultural staples and supplies First harvest restrictions established in 1820 s Harvest primarily in shallow areas with hand implements (rakes and tongs) until mid 1800 s

3 Oyster History con t. Increasing demands for oysters after the Civil War in northern markets and development of railroads and canneries lead to expansion of the fishery in NC Depleted stocks in VA and MD brought oystermen and dredges south to harvest virgin deep water oyster rocks Increased harvest pressure and concerns over a declining oyster stock prompted the NC Legislature to request a survey of the oyster resources of the state from the Federal Government in 1885 Lt. Frances Winslow USN, concluded the study in 1889

4 Oyster History con t. Conflicts between tongers and dredgers and residents and non-residents resulted in an Oyster War in 1891 that resulted in a ban on oyster harvest by non-residents The next ~100 years was an effort to manage an oyster stock affected by unsustainable harvest, the growth of the timber industry, agriculture, industrialization and infrastructure development which all contributed to decreased water quality

5 6 Dredging began Oyster Harvest Trends Meat (millions lbs) ½-inch size limit on rock oysters Shell-planting legislation Dredging area greatly reduced; sail only allowed 3-inch size limit on rock oysters Dredging area expanded; sail only allowed Heavy oyster mortality report Oyster Rehabilitation Program Dredge weight limit 100 lbs. (no prior limit) Restrictions on power boats dropped Daily limit of 75 bushels (no prior limit) 2½-inch size limit on coon oysters 3-inch size limit on all coon oysters Oyster Rehabilitation Program expanded Shellfish license moratorium; Lease production documentation required 5 bushel hand, 15 bushel dredge harvest limits Oyster disease estimated landings of 120,000 lbs Winslow oyster bottom survey Hurricane damage Shellfish franchises authorized 1897 Depression Shellfish leases began Power dredging began World War I Typhoid 1933 storm outbreak Great depression World War II Heavy oyster mortality report Severe winter freeze Hurricane Ginger

6 Disease and Redirection NC Shellfish Rehabilitation Program s focus was supporting a viable commercial harvest Epizootic infection by DERMO (Perkinsis marinus) in 1987 drove oyster management for the next 15 years Focus shifted from commercial production to rebuilding a devastated oyster stock

7 Oyster s value as critical habitat and contributions to water quality recognized No-harvest oyster sanctuaries, hatcheries, and introduction of non-native species considered Plans developed with input of government agencies, non government groups, and researchers (Blue Ribbon Council, DMF FMP, & NCCF Oyster Plan)

8 Implementation Cultch Planting: 150, ,000 bus. annually Oyster Sanctuaries: 10 permitted ~ 210 acres Oyster Research Hatchery: Completed Oct. 2010

9 North Carolina s Oyster Sanctuaries

10 TYPICAL OYSTER SANCTUARY The typical sanctuary consists of mounds of rip rap, with each mound containing about 150 tons of material. 7-foot clearance to surface 6-foot mounds of rip rap

11 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Grants administered by NOAA Application submitted by NC Coastal Federation Job 1: Expansion of Oyster Sanctuaries o Continue development at increased scale o Address sites that were difficult for DMF Program Job 2: Shallow-water cultch planting by fishermen o Develop sites that are too shallow for DMF vessels to access o Make funds available to fishermen regionally

12 ARRA: Keys to Success Plans based on research and proven techniques Site selection criteria developed Permitting process developed, concept presented to permitting agencies, future sites permitted Broad based support of the project GREAT PARTNERS: NC Coastal Federation grant preparation and management Stevens Towing logistics and deployment NC State Univ. & UNC Wilmington design and monitoring NC Div. of Marine Fisheries design, permitting, deployment oversight, marking, designation and enforcement - ownership

13 Craig Hardy Chief, Resource Enhancement Section North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries

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