Alabama NewsCenter — Research helping to restore Alabama’s oyster reefs

By: Cole Sikes

Oysters are an important resource for Alabama’s economy. Along the state’s more than 50 miles of coastline, oyster reefs have been depleted in some areas during recent years, making shellfish habitat research a priority for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. By utilizing science, experts are finding new ways to restore Alabama’s coast.

Closely involved in oyster reef research in Alabama is the Auburn University Shellfish Laboratory (AUSL). This station is located on Dauphin Island where applied research is used to directly address hurdles and concerns of the aquaculture industry. Alabama Extension Assistant Professor Andrea Tarnecki said it’s a job she enjoys doing every day.

“My role as an Extension specialist is not only to survey stakeholders about their research needs, but also convey information back to those stakeholders,” Tarnecki said. “It’s a two-way communication system to figure out what they need and also being sure to get solutions back to them.”

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