Aquaculture Programs

Division of Aquaculture
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

The Division of Aquaculture was created in 1999 by the Florida Legislature and is responsible for six programs: aquaculture certification, aquaculture leasing of sovereignty submerged land, shellfish resources development, shellfish processing plant certification, shellfish harvesting area management, and technical support. Florida's aquaculture industry is one of the leading producers in the nation, with almost $75 million in farm gate value during the 2005 production year.

Aquaculture Certification Program

Chapter 597, F.S., established the Aquaculture Certificate of Registration to recognize aqua farming businesses. Aqua cultural businesses in Florida are required to be certified annually and to attest that they will comply with the Best Management Practices provided in Chapter 5L 3, Florida Administrative Code. The Aquaculture Cert ificate of Registration is used to identify aquaculture producers as members of Florida's agricultural community and to identify aquacultural products produced in the state. Site inspections are conducted at aquaculture facilities to ensure compliance.

Sovereignty Submerged Lands Leasing Program

The Department is responsible for the Aquaculture Lease Program under the provisions in Chapter 253, F.S. Currently, the Department administers 633 aquaculture leases containing about 1,508 acres, and 80 shellfish leases containing about 1,287 acres. Aquaculture leases are located in Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, Dixie, Franklin, Indian River, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Monroe, Palm Beach, Pinellas, St. Johns, Volusia, and Wakulla counties. In accordance to its statutory mandate, the Department identifies tracts of submerged lands throughout the state that are suitable for aquacultural development. Twenty-one Aquaculture Use Areas have been identified by the Department and authorized by the Board of Trustees in nine coastal counties, including Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, Dixie, Franklin, Indian River, Lee, Levy and Volusia.

Oyster Culture and Shellfish Resource Development Program

Under the mandate to improve, enlarge and protect the oyster and clam resources of the state, the Department is actively engaged in enhancing shellfish resources and restoring oyster reefs on public submerged lands.

Conserving Public Oyster Reefs

The Department is involved in a unique project applying its expertise and equipment to mitigate potential impacts on oyster resources in Apalachicola Bay. The Department is in a joint project with the Department of Transportation and the Department of Environmental Protection to enhance and restore public oyster reefs that may be adversely affected during the St. George Island Bridge Replacement Project. The mitigation plan involves the restoration of oyster reef habitat by placing processed oyster shell and live oysters on designated reefs.

Shellfish Harvesting Area Classification and Management Program

This program seeks to classify and manage Florida coastal waters for maximum use of shellfish resource, protection of public health, and promotion of a healthy coastal environment. The program is audited each year by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure compliance with the provisions of the National Shellfish Sanitation Program.

Shellfish Processing Facility Program

The Shellfish Processing Facility Program seeks to ensure wholesome shellfish products through inspection, education and enforcement of state regulations and national guidelines. The program is audited each year by the FDA to ensure compliance with the provisions of the National Shellfish Sanitation Program.

Technical Support Programs

The division provides substantial technical and administrative support for aquacultural and shellfish operations. Staff provides and participates in workshops, seminars and problem solving activities to help provide information to Florida farmers. In addition, staff manages contracts to researchers for legislative appropriation to provide quick answers to industry issues.