FAQs
What topics are covered in this course?
How do I register/enroll in the course?
How do I know if the class is cancelled for the night?
Where do I park if attending in-person?
How do I access the Live Webinar from my computer (desktop or laptop)?
How do I access the Live Webinar from my mobile device (cell phone or tablet)?
What course material is on the website ?
What are the mandatory classes in this series to grow COMMERCIALLY?
How do I check into (and get credit for attending) a mandatory class?
How can I participate in the Shellfish Biology class via the Live Webinar?
Can I take this course for Professional Development or Continuing Education Credits?
What classes are mandatory for a RECREATIONAL permit?
Can I take this course for transfer credits into another University?
When is the class offered?
The course is offered every year, starting in January and runs for 15 weeks. Classes have historically been held on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 -9 PM (EST).
What topics are covered in this course?
The course offers a wide range of topics, all of which are necessary to start and operate a successful shellfish farm. Topics include:
- Introductions & Shellfish Aquaculture Overview
- Shellfish Biology*
- Site Selection & Monitoring
- Shellfish Growout Systems I – Oysters*
- Shellfish Growout Systems II – Quahogs & other Clams
- Shellfish Growout Systems III – Scallops, Mussels & other species
- Permitting & Regulations*
- Shellfish Nursery Systems I (Various technologies)
- Shellfish Nursery Systems II (Upwellers)
- Risks to Growing Shellfish I (Predators & Pests)*
- Risks to Growing Shellfish II (Diseases)*
- Shellfish Business Management I (Vibrio training* & Marketing)
- Shellfish Business Management II (Biosecurity & BMPs)
- Shellfish Restoration & Kelp
- Shellfish Hatchery Techniques
* Required for Dockside Program (Recreational permit, available in RI to RI residents only)
How can I take the course?
The course is offered in three formats that run simultaneously.
- Attend the course in-person here on the Roger Williams University, Bristol, RI campus. This is available to the public and enrolled RWU students. The class is typically held in the Marine and Natural Science building’s auditorium, MNS 200, (see map for building location). The PDF of the PowerPoint Slides are typically up on the website prior to the class if you would like to print them for class. If you are a RWU student taking this course for credit it is mandatory that you attend the class in-person.
- Join a Live Webinar, log-in to the course website weekly to get that week’s webinar link . The Live Webinar is a great way to take the course from wherever you may be, as long as you have internet access. If you have a question you are able to type it into the chat box and and we will answer it directly.
- Video recordings of the webinar are available to be viewed when the time is right for you. These videos are posted about a week after the class was in-person. The previous year’s video may still be posted but will be replaced with the current video once the processing is completed. All the slides of the Powerpoints (in PDF format) are also found on the website.
How do I register/enroll in the course?
If you send an email to us (appliedshellfishfarming@gmail.com ) in mid-December the course should be completely scheduled and we will be able to provide instructions on how to register at that time.
How do I know if the class is cancelled for the night?
The in-person course is in RI on a university campus, if the campus shuts down due to inclement weather, so does the course. A notice will be posted on the course website informing the participants of the cancellation.
Where do I park if attending in-person?
The address for RWU is 1 Old Ferry Road Bristol, RI 02809
Marine and Natural Sciences (MNS) is building #18 on the attached map, room 200 is the only auditorium in the building and is off the main lobby. Look for visitor parking on the map as well, parking can be tough. If possible try to get here well before 6:30pm.
How do I access the Live Webinar from my computer (desktop or laptop)?
Go to the course page and log in, the links (and/or the web address) will be posted near the top of the page. The links change weekly so make sure you are always using the newest link. You have an option to “raise your hand”, but unfortunately that does not let us know what your question, comment, or concern is, please use the chat section to communicate with me. I normally add an extra half hour before the actual start of the class so that if it is your first time on the webinar you may want to try and sign in early to possibly download any needed software or to get familiar with the webinar format. By clicking the “View Options” tab and select the Side-by-side option. This will allow you to see the PowerPoint and the live video of the presentation in the classroom. If at all possible, please use a desktop or laptop computer to get the most out of the webinars live.
- Hover your computer mouse over the “RI Applied Shellfish Farming Course” tab on the home page and choose from the drop down ” Course Log in”
- Enter the password … contact Appliedshellfishfarming@gmail.com to pay for the course and receive the password
- The link for those individuals on a laptop will be there as well as the Webinar ID for those using the app on a mobile device (at the top of the page)
How do I access the Live Webinar from my mobile device (cell phone or tablet)?
First you need to download the Zoom app from your app store. Once you open the App you need to click the “Join Meeting” button (lower left). Then on the next screen type in the 9 digit Meeting ID that is always posted on the course website for that night (the ID changes every week and is found near the top of the page after you log-in). You can change the name of your sign in from your device/phone name to your name if you would like (ex: if on your phone it may come up as Samsung-….. and you can change it to your name).
If the class is mandatory, I would recommend sending a chat message with your name to the panelist to confirm your attendance. You will see a chat icon at the bottom of the screen. Just so you know, while using the app, you will be able to see the slides and hear the audio, you will need to slide your finger on your device from right to left to see other screen options, please double tap the option that shows the screen that we are presenting on. You have an option to “raise your hand”, but unfortunately that does not let us know what your question, comment, or concern is, please use the chat section to communicate with me. If at all possible, please use a desktop or laptop computer to get the most out of the webinars live.
- Hover your computer mouse over the “RI Applied Shellfish Farming Course” tab on the home page and choose from the drop down ” Course Log in”
- Enter the password … contact Appliedshellfishfarming@gmail.com to pay for the course and receive the password
- The link for those individuals on a laptop will be there as well as the Webinar ID for those using the app on a mobile device (at the top of the page)
What course material is on the website ?
Once you log in to the course under the “RI Applied Shellfish Farming Course” tab you will find everything you need to participate in Applied Shellfish Farming. You will find the weekly links to join the Live Webinars, Webinar ID numbers if you are using a mobile device, the PDFs of the PowerPoints for that week and previous weeks, the video recordings for the previous week’s class, additional lecture material and Notice if class is cancelled due to weather.
What are the mandatory classes in this series to grow COMMERCIALLY?
Currently the vibrio training is the only mandatory class for commercial growers in RI. That training is good for 3 years. All other classes are not mandatory but is widely considered an important training element for newcomers to the industry. As Rhode Island is working to strengthen its aquaculture sector, CRMC recommends the course to aquaculture permit applicants.
How do I check into (and get credit for attending) a mandatory class?
- If you are attending the class in-person, please sign into the course log/attendance book.
- Currently, Live Webinar attendees are also accepted. You need to change the name of your sign in from your device/phone name to your name if you would like (ex: if on your phone it may come up as Samsung-….. and you can change it to your name). Since the class is mandatory you need to send a chat message with your name to the panelist to confirm your attendance. You will see a chat icon at the bottom of the screen.
How can I participate in the Shellfish Biology class via the Live Webinar?
You can purchase an Eastern Oyster (or your local species of oyster) and a Northern Hard Clam (or your local species of clam), and follow along with us online
Can I take this course for Professional Development or Continuing Education Credits?
Yes, you can take the course for Professional Development or Continuing Education Credits. Since each employer requires different hours and documentation you would just need to work with us to make sure that you are meeting the necessary requirements for your position.
What classes are mandatory for a RECREATIONAL permit?
The Recreational Permit is only available to RI residents for the RI CRMC permit. The courses that are mandatory are:
- Shellfish Biology
- Shellfish Growout Systems I – Oysters
- Permitting & Regulations
- Risks to Growing Shellfish I (Predators & Pests)
- Risks to Growing Shellfish II (Diseases)
- Vibrio Training
Can I take this course for transfer credits into another University?
Right now, students at RWU are receiving 3 credits for the course (they will be there a half hour earlier that the public and will need to take quizzes and a complete a final project). Some grad school programs have transferred in as much as 3 credits for this program into their University. You would just need to work with us to make sure that you are meeting the necessary requirements for your program. Prices may vary depending on program requirements.