The Apalachicola Bay System Initiative is thrilled to welcome its first two hatchery interns, Morgan Hawkins and Benton Jaco. Morgan and Benton will be assisting ABSI’s Hatchery Manager, Joe Rocco, and Hatchery Technician, Shannon Kirk, this summer. Currently, the ABSI hatchery team is rearing young oysters to set them on oyster shell and then transfer them to the field (the Bay) where our scientists can monitor their growth and survival rates. This internship program is funded by the Lazzara Family Foundation.

Franklin County has launched a new pilot program in an effort to recycle oyster shells, according to a press release. The program, O.Y.S.T.E.R., or Offer Your Shell To Enhance Restoration, will recycle oyster shells from participating restaurants and use them in coastal restoration projects. Some of these recycled shells will be put to use by the Apalachicola Bay System Initiative.

Spring is upon us and the ABSI research teams have been in full swing! Here’s a quick update on the current projects.

In 2012, Florida’s famed Apalachicola Bay oyster industry collapsed. In 2013, the federal government declared a fishery disaster, and in 2014 Florida sued Georgia, arguing that state was responsible for the failure. The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case Monday, but as the two states await a decision, some key players say the issue won’t end with the ruling. Photo Credit: Jessica Palombo, WFSU

What factors are really impacting the loss of Apalachicola's world-famous oysters? A new research project called the Apalachicola Bay System Initiative is out to get the answers and use those results to guide future policy regarding the bay's iconic seafood. Listen to host Tom Flanigan talk with ABSI project leaders and Community Advisory Board members about progress of the project.

February 25th at 3 pm -- Apalachicola Bay System Initiative, Sandra Brooke Sandra Brooke, project lead of the Apalachicola Bay System Initiative, will give an overview of the Initiative describing what has been done so far, what will occur in the upcoming year, who is involved, and how to stay up to date on the project

Dive into the work of the ABSI research team as they kick off new projects in 2021.

From completing oyster density and subtidal sampling to fish surveys, learn what the ABSI team has been up to as 2020 comes to an end.

A farewell to the oystermen - a tribute to Apalachicola and its resilient and vibrant residents.

Dr. Sandra Brooke talks of seeking solutions to the oyster collapse in Florida's Apalachicola Bay