$2.9M Project Launched to Clean Up Aquaculture Gear

As we move through another hurricane season, many in the Southeast are still dealing with the impacts of past storms. Last week, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced that the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), backed by $2.9 million in NOAA Marine Debris Program funding, is launching a cleanup and restoration project near Cedar Key. The effort will target derelict aquaculture gear from the 2023 and 2024 hurricane seasons and help restore oyster reef habitat.

“I want to thank President Trump and his administration for their strong support of our food producers, especially those working to recover from natural disasters,” said Commissioner Simpson. He noted the project is key to “protecting jobs, rebuilding livelihoods, and improving the resilience of Florida’s shellfish industry and food supply chain.”

The initiative, in partnership with UF/IFAS and the Cedar Key Aquaculture Association, will remove about 40,000 damaged clam bags, reseed oyster reefs, and employ under-utilized growers. With Cedar Key producing over 90% of Florida’s farm-raised clams, this recovery effort supports more than 500 local jobs while, according to the Department, building long-term industry resilience.