The 2024 “Foundations of Shellfish Farming” course will be offered at the UConn Avery Point campus over 12 weeks starting Jan. 16.
The classes will meet on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. through April 2 in Room 312 of the Lowell P. Weicker Jr. Building. Registration is now open and financial aid is available. 
“Foundations of Shellfish Farming” is a training course for new and prospective farmers and those who simply seek to learn more about aquaculture practices and techniques. Topics that will be covered include how to establish and operate a shellfish business; leasing and permitting requirements; considerations for gear, vessels, and facilities, shellfish biology, aquaculture techniques and best practices, and risks involved in farming shellfish.
Although the course will concentrate on Long Island Sound waters within the jurisdiction of Connecticut, the topics and practices covered are applicable in the Northeast United States and potentially beyond.
Instructors: Michael Gilman and Tessa L. Getchis
Outline: http://s.uconn.edu/course-schedule
Registration: http://s.uconn.edu/shellfish
Cost: $300
Financial aid: Scholarship funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Preference will be given to underserved/underrepresented groups including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, followed by other students in financial need. If interested, contact us by email at shellfish@uconn.edu. Include your full name, company name (if applicable), and a statement explaining your request for financial aid. Please DO NOT register for the class. We will process registrations for all students receiving financial aid.
Sponsors: Connecticut Sea Grant, UConn Extension, and the Connecticut Department of Agriculture
*This course meets the Connecticut Department of Agriculture eligibility requirement for the submission of a Joint Agency Application for Marine Aquaculture.
Additional questions, including requests for financial aid, can be emailed to: shellfish@uconn.edu