GSI staff assess thermal tolerances of selectively-bred northern hard clams raised at two distinct locations – Cedar Key and Tampa Bay, FL.

This past summer, GSI hosted Kiley Ruffhead (RWU ‘25) and Meghan Purcell (RWU ‘25) for the Bruce J. Barber Memorial Internship, in partnership with Roger Williams University (RWU). Over the course of two months, both interns conducted independent research projects designed to provide hands-on experience in the field and laboratory while contributing to GSI’s mission of using applied research to advance shellfish aquaculture and healthy ecosystems.

The Gulf Shellfish Institute (GSI) is excited to partner with Roger Williams University (RWU) to offer an applied internship in shellfish aquaculture research. The Bruce J. Barber Memorial Internship honors GSI’s first Executive Director.

On October 9, 2024, at 8:30 P.M., Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane near Siesta Key on Florida’s Gulf coast. Less than two weeks earlier, on September 26, 2024, Hurricane Helene struck Florida’s Big Bend regions as a Category 4 hurricane.

GSI collected 3,000 bags of recycled oyster shells from Florida Oceanographic Society for future research and restoration efforts.

At the Gulf Shellfish Institute (GSI), we celebrate Earth Day a little bit differently – with vertical oyster gardens! On Saturday, April 20, 2024 the GSI team participated in Brooker Creek Preserve’s Earth Day Birthday celebration.

The team at the Gulf Shellfish Institute set out to determine how multiple marine stressors (temperature and salinity) could affect locally aquacultured shellfish, and in turn, their farmers.

Project Update: GSI and partners complete year one of seagrass-hard clam experimental restoration.

On Tuesday, August 9, 2022, Ed Chiles, Founding Member of All Clams On Deck & Gulf Shellfish Institute Board of Directors Vice President, presented to the Manatee County Commissioners.

The State of Florida has provided global leadership for protecting our environment and strengthening our economy. On June 5, the 2022-2023 budget was signed into law, securing funding that will lead the way in restoring estuaries and growing coastal economies.

Shellfish aquaculture is a growing industry in Florida and provides one of the greenest agricultural products around!

All Clams on Deck is the brainchild and passion of Ed Chiles, who owns the Mar Vista restaurant on the shores of Longboat Key, where the launch took place.