During the past few years the Gulf oysters industry has had to adapted to both man-made and natural challenges. Photo: Jim Gossen/GSI
by Ed Lallo/Gulf Seafood News
During the past few years the Gulf oysters industry has had to adapted to both man-made and natural challenges. Oystermen from around the State of Louisiana will meet discuss the important issues and challenges currently being faced in the Gulf of Mexico at their annual Louisiana Oyster Industry Convention.
The convention brings the Louisiana oyster industry and its trade associations together to discuss important issues, make business contacts and socialize. This years meeting will be held on May 2 at the Hilton-New Orleans Airport in Kenner.
“Oysters will be served a variety of ways, making this event the best oyster feast of the year,” said Dr. John Supan, convention chairman. Photo: LSU Sea Grant
“The agenda for the 28th annual Louisiana Oyster Industry Convention will introduce the Louisiana Oyster Dealers & Growers Association’s Save Our Reefs campaign,” said Ralph Pausina, Louisiana Oyster Dealers & Growers Association president. “This initiative focuses on the location, value and importance of Louisiana’s oyster reefs, as well as the contribution they make to the health of our estuaries. I encourage all members of Louisiana’s oyster community, and other interested parties, to attend this informative meeting.”
Other presentations will cover topics that promote, protect, foster and advance the interest.
Sponsors for the event include; the Oyster Development Fund of the Louisiana Oyster Task Force, J & M Industries, Berry Plastics, Louisiana Farm Bureau, the Louisiana Oyster Dealers & Growers Association, the LSU Agricultural Center and the Louisiana Sea Grant College Program.
“Oysters will be served a variety of ways, making this event the best oyster feast of the year,” said Dr. John Supan, convention chairman and oyster specialist with the Louisiana Sea Grant College Program.
Convention speakers include:
· Save Our Reefs
John Tesvich, Louisiana Oyster Dealers & Growers Association
· Historical Geographic Extent of Known Oyster Reefs in Louisiana
Patrick Banks, Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries
· Ecological Services Provided by Oyster Reefs in Louisiana
Megan LaPeyre, U.S. Geological Survey
· A Biologist’s Experience with the Oyster Seed Fishery
Earl Melancon, Nicholls State University
· A U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Perspective on Mississippi River Diversions
Barbara Kleiss, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mississippi Valley Division
· Sculpturing Sustainable Estuaries with Oyster Reefs
Woody and Mark Gagliano, Coastal Environments Inc.
· Louisiana Seafood Education Initiative
Thomas Hymel, Louisiana Sea Grant/LSU AgCenter
· Restoration Economics: An Alternative Perspective
Rex Caffey, Center for Natural Resource Economics & Policy, Louisiana Sea Grant/LSU AgCenter
· Deltas, Fisheries & Restoration
Robert Twilley, Louisiana Sea Grant
· Louisiana’s Master Plan
Jerome Zeringue, Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority of Louisiana
Registration:
Preregistration by April 25 is $50, or $100 at the door. Registration includes seminars, luncheon and reception. To register or for more information, contact John Supan at jsupan@lsu.edu or 985-264-3239.
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