Shellfish Gardeners
	of North Carolina

Getting Started

So you want to be an oyster gardener! 

Congratulations on your decision to help restore the quality of North Carolina’s coastal waters. We recommend you join the Shellfish Gardeners of North Carolina (SGNC).

SGNC provides training workshops, ongoing support and advice, can help you gather or make the necessary under-dock materials, and can give helpful tips on filling out the
required PERMIT application. Under-dock oyster gardening in North Carolina requires a permit from the NC Division of Marine Fisheries. The permit application is available on
line at http://www.ncfisheries.net/shellfish/UDOC1.htm. There is no charge for the permit.

            Click Here for the application.    

Here is how to become an under-dock oyster gardener:

1. Read the on-line manualto learn about shellfish gardening (or participate in a workshop sponsored by SGNC).

2. Take (and pass) the quiz.

3. Complete the application.  You will need to include documentation of your ownership and the location of your dock, develop a storm plan and post appropriate dock signage.

After you’ve received your permit, you will need  to build or purchase a structure that will hang under your dock; this is where your growing oysters will live. The point of hanging them in the water column is that they grow faster and do not get covered over with silt. Materials are available from a number of sources and gardeners. A good description can be found in the UDOC Manual located at http://www.ncfisheries.net/download/UDOCManual.pdf. Sources and additional information are also provided. Then, you’ll be ready to obtain spat (baby oysters). >>>> It is important (required by law?) that you use only the native Crassostrea virginicus and that it be from a certified North Carolina source.<<<<  Be aware that growing oysters under your dock does require some continued maintenance to ensure their optimum health. Again, you’ll find great support and camaraderie as a member of the Shellfish Gardeners of N.C. Here is the membership application.

Materials are available from a number of sources and gardeners show a great deal of originality. Locally, New River Nets in Sneads Ferry has been very cooperative. Their phone is 910.327.1231 or on the Web at http://www.newrivernets.com.