Adriane Michaelis - SMSP Spring Seminar Series 2026

Adriane Michaelis

Abstract: Shellfish aquaculture is an expanding industry in the US, and its development centers on the growth of more than shellfish alone. Though bivalve aquaculture is not necessarily new, the transition into off-bottom gear, restructured state leasing programs, and attention to workforce training among other shifts over the past several decades has supported increased interest in the industry, expanded acreage under lease, as well as greater production in many areas. This industry growth, though paired with many social, economic, and ecological benefits, is not without growing pains.

This seminar highlights several projects that explore the implications of the recent development of shellfish aquaculture. First, with attention to individual and community benefits, the cultural ecosystem services linked to working with shellfish will be described and discussed as they occur in wild and farmed shellfisheries. The second study investigates labor-related challenges, using two of the East Coast’s largest shellfish-producing states as case studies. Finally, an ongoing project that centers on economies of scale, consolidation, and the drivers of industry attrition in US shellfish aquaculture will be introduced. Together, these studies aim to better understand the trajectory of US shellfish aquaculture development and identify ways to support shellfish growers and their communities.

Zoom Recording ID: 99293238656 UUID: 6OZV7guGSpeL1ef0XGQl4g== Meeting Time: 2026-05-01 03:43:02pmGMT