Shell museum to present next lecture in series
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium on Sanibel is continuing with its seasonal Lecture Series at the museum, at 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel. The next lecture will be:
– Feb. 13 at 5:30 p.m.: “Shellfish Aquaculture in Florida: Its Status and Potential in a Rapidly Changing State” with Stephen Hesterberg, Ph.D., executive director of the Gulf Shellfish Institute
Shellfish aquaculture is still a relatively nascent industry in Florida but has the potential to provide a “win-win-win” for the state’s economy, food security and environment. However, stressors such as population growth, harmful algal blooms, heatwaves and hurricanes threaten its existence.
The talk will present an overview of the industry, its benefits to Floridians and possible futures, depending upon collective actions. It will also present the Gulf Shellfish Institute’s vision for a successful merger of industry with environmental restoration, known as restoration aquaculture.
Hesterberg is a marine ecologist with a background in the ecosystems of Florida’s Gulf Coast, including oyster reefs, mangrove forests and seagrass beds. His past research has a strong emphasis on molluscan biology and ecology. Hesterberg leads the institute, which focuses on expanding the production of hard clams, oysters and scallops along the Gulf Coast for economic and environmental benefit.
Cost is $10 or free for museum members.
For more information or to register, visit https://www.shellmuseum.org/in-person-lectures.