Oyster farms are a thing here on the Texas coast as well. They are in the bay, not some farm ponds where they are raised like a lot of other seafood. One of them is owned by Seth Gambill who owns Black Duck Skiffs. All the new Chittum tunnels are his design. Just some fun facts.
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To be clear, i agee with the “upstream” comment, as the state of GA and Army Corp Eng and legal cases to withhold water from the apalachicola river as a big factor in the Bays recovery. One of many reasons for the decline. An recent article described the bay as death by 1000 cuts.
Im all for the gov regulation for safe clean growing and harvesting of farmed and wild oysters and during my experience with florida state agencies, they have all been accommodating to the farmer in many instances. The state of florida wants this aquaculture program to work and they are working for small oyster farmers. Kudos to them for that.
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Found it! A good overview of Florida’s Apalachicola and Floridas oyster issues. Worth a watch 
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I’ve actually been meaning to watch that. I had it on my calendar for the original air date, but still missed it. 
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And to clarify on my part. I’m not against farming either, I’d just prefer to see the issues causing the decline of wild oysters addressed as opposed to the state being involved with a band aid approach.
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So I was driving with the wife to PSJ yesterday and heard on Oyster Radio (106.5, IYKYK) that the winner was from Panacea!! I injected loudly: “ NO WAY! HE WON IT!!”. The wife commented “ Do you know him?”. My answer: “ Yea!….. Uh, No,…..Uh, Kinda”. I then explained.
Sorry I missed it. I intended to go. I forgot all about it. Got busy. Damn!!
That festival use to be shoulder to shoulder everywhere. Good eating.
I remember years ago navigating thru the Oystermen in the bay to go fishing. I hope they come back. Good hard working people.
Congrats! Need a 2-peet next year! I will be sure not to miss it!
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Dang, made Oyster Radio, mission complete! 
Thanks for your support SkiffHQ friend! 
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I am not sure how similar the farming situations are but the clam farming in Cedar Key seems to be going pretty well.
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Not sure either but it seems to be the only way to get (small clams) which I also love.
Back in the day, mid 80’s I was fortunate to be able to drive to Sebastian FL and recreation fish for wild clams. It was a weekend event, buying cheap shoes and swishing your feet through the sand feeling for hard bumps and reaching down and pulling up the clam(s). Floating coolers behind you. A couple of raws during the day in the water. Those days are gone now in Sebastian. But great memories.
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You guys need to come up to Maine in the summer when its too hot and humid. Takes about an hour in our backyard estuary at liw tide (10 foot tides) to dig a peck of soft shell (steamers) clams. Let them soak in salt water for about 5 or 6 hours for them to spit out the sand and 10 minutes of steaming, broth dunk butter dunk and a beer
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You win! The perfect setup. Now I want to see the other pic that didnt load. Love those clams, used to call them pisser clams. 
Oh Baby, and lobster 
. Not usually a craft beer guy, but I am intrigued by the sea salt and lime. Would definitely try. Cheers 
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This is worth watching. I am friends with one of the videographers and producers so saw it on the big screen at debut at film festival and was happy to see how well it has been received by almost everyone.
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They are actively trying to bring clams back to the mosquito lagoon using drones. Blair Wiggins is involved and got a bunch of support to help restore this key estuary where I grew up.
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Interesting article and a great project. Imagine the epiphany of finding a pocket of palm sized clams in what was believed to be long dead.
Thanks