From clams to catfish, the North Carolina coast holds a variety of seafood, but at a crossroads is the oyster. The supply of oysters in the state has decreased since the industry peaked in 1902 after decades of aggressive harvesting.
Today, efforts are underway to restore wild oyster reefs while mariculture looks to provide a sustainable and abundant farming strategy.
Host Frank Stasio talks with Jay Styron, owner of Carolina Mariculture, Ted Wilgis, coastal education coordinator for the North Carolina Coastal Federation and Bit & Grain writer Ryan Stancil about the potential for oysters in North Carolina and barriers in place for cultivating the industry.
Read Bit & Grain's report here.