The Oyster Aquaculture Revolution in the Southern US
At the Atlanta History Center, Dr. Bill Walton, a founding Oyster South Board member and professor at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, was invited to present the Cherokee Garden Library’s Ashley Wright McIntyre guest lecture on October 22, 2025 where he talked about the development of off-bottom oyster farming across the Southern US.
Bill noted how appropriate it was to be speaking about the success of Southern oyster aquaculture at the Atlanta History Center. “When we look back at what has started across the Southern US, Atlanta is key to that [success],” he says.
His talk gave guests an introduction to oysters and how they are grown, shed light on new ways of growing oysters in Southern waters and shared the story of Oyster South’s origins and how the organization has grown. He ended with a call to support the shellfish aquaculture industry, encouraging the audience to seek out and enjoy oysters the South’s oyster growers work so hard to provide, to support efforts like those of the local Sea Grant programs, which drive applied research and outreach, and to support Oyster South’s mission by joining and donating.
After the talk, the Cherokee Garden Library provided food, including oysters, giving Bill a chance to show off his shucking skills.