![]() ![]() Coast Guard to determine what type of warning buoys, pilings or lights are required for marine safety. The Army Corps of Engineers reviews the total proposal, and the last hurdle is working with the U.S. Studying marine data, public health records, satellite images and bottom-land lease availability brought us to the west end of Dauphin Island.ĪV: WHAT IS INVOLVED IN STARTING AN OYSTER FARM AND HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?ĭUKE: Once a site was selected, we developed an operational plan and submitted it for approval to authorities to ensure there is no negative impact on native oysters, sea grass, marine traffic, archaeology, etc. He explained the process of starting a farm and gave us the benefit of his personal experience as well as the Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s expertise in oyster spawning, research and cultivation.ĪV: WHY DID YOU SELECT DAUPHIN ISLAND AS THE SITE FOR YOUR FARM?ĭUKE: The primary considerations for the oysters’ health and growth are an adequate flow of water, salinity and nutrients in the water. He introduced us to Bill Walton, head of the Shellfish Laboratory who was spearheading an effort to facilitate the formation of oyster farms in Alabama. sensed our enthusiasm and suggested we consider starting an oyster farm. and explored the possibility of us becoming oyster gardeners. The people raise them for about six months and then turn them back in to the Extension Service for use in restoration projects. With that program, young oyster “seed” produced by the Auburn University Shellfish Laboratory on Dauphin Island are given to people who have access to waters that can support the oysters. ![]() He gave a presentation on their Oyster Gardening Program. Waters of the Auburn University Marine Extension and Research Center spoke at the Rotary Club where Cullan and I are members. Photography by Southern Color PhotographyĪV: WHAT GAVE YOU THE IDEA TO START AN OYSTER FARM?ĭUKE: P.J. As a “keystone” species, they reproduce by the millions, creating habitat for hundreds of species, stabilizing the reefs and filtering the water. It was fascinating to observe how all of the marine species interact and form such an intricate ecological web, especially oysters. Duke about his unusual and interesting venture.ĪV: HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN INTERESTED IN MARINE ANIMALS?ĭUKE: Growing up in Mobile, I enjoyed the sun and sand of Dauphin Island, as well as the fishing, shrimping, crabbing and gathering of oysters. ![]() Duke and his son, Cullan, began exploring the idea of an oyster farm in the Mississippi Sound, and today run Isle Dauphine Oysters.Īuburn Veterinarian recently interviewed Dr. Best oyster spat in mississippi professional#While farming is not an unusual vocation for a veterinarian, as many have farming backgrounds and operate agricultural interests outside of their professional lives, an oyster farm is a little different commodity than cattle, cotton or hay. Andrew Duke ’75 of Mobile, Alabama, is not practicing veterinary dentistry, he often can be found on the oyster farm he and his son operate on Dauphin Island. ![]()
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