ABC at VIMS

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ABC at VIMS Unlocking natures potential through selective breeding and genetic research.

Have you ever heard that you should only eat oysters during the months that contain an R? There’s a reason this saying s...
10/12/2026

Have you ever heard that you should only eat oysters during the months that contain an R?

There’s a reason this saying stuck around! Before modern refrigeration and advances in aquaculture, it was a helpful rule of thumb.

But times have changed! Swipe to learn why oysters can be safe, delicious, and enjoyed year-round.

I had a blast at Marine Life Day VIMS Eastern Shore Laboratory presenting on some current breeding and genetic tool deve...
09/20/2026

I had a blast at Marine Life Day VIMS Eastern Shore Laboratory presenting on some current breeding and genetic tool development work hosted by Cherrystone AquaFarms (Cherrystone Aqua-Farms) and our shellfish workforce development opportunities through ABC and C-Salt. Want more info? Send us a message! VIMS Shellfish Aquaculture Program W&M’s VIMS & Batten School

Where do our oysters go after leaving the nursery?Once they’re ready to move on, our oysters head out to one of four gro...
09/18/2026

Where do our oysters go after leaving the nursery?

Once they’re ready to move on, our oysters head out to one of four grow-out sites across the Chesapeake Bay.

Each site exposes our oysters to different environmental conditions, helping us test important traits like growth, survival, and resilience in a variety of habitats.

Questions? Send us a message here or reach out at [email protected]!

Have you ever wondered where the oyster on your plate comes from? Chances are, it may be the offspring of a tetraploid o...
09/08/2026

Have you ever wondered where the oyster on your plate comes from? Chances are, it may be the offspring of a tetraploid oyster!

Swipe through to learn why tetraploids play such an important role in the aquaculture industry—and why we’re dedicated to producing the highest-quality tetraploids possible.

Have questions about tetraploids or our work? We’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us here or email [email protected].

Last but not least, meet Libby, our Research Technician! One of Libby’s favorite things about working with ABC is that e...
09/01/2026

Last but not least, meet Libby, our Research Technician!

One of Libby’s favorite things about working with ABC is that every day brings something new—and she’s always ready to take on the next challenge!

From certifying ploidy samples and conducting disease monitoring and data collection, to managing our social media pages, Libby does a little bit of everything around here.

Our next spotlight is shining on our Field Research Technician, Healy! One of her favorite parts of working with ABC is ...
08/28/2026

Our next spotlight is shining on our Field Research Technician, Healy!

One of her favorite parts of working with ABC is getting to be out on the water—and knowing that no two days are ever the same!

Behind every successful field day is plenty of careful preparation and organization. Healy keeps our inventory and field data in order, helping everything run smoothly when we’re out in the field.

Thank you for all that you do, Healy! We’re so lucky to have you on the ABC team!

Our second-to-last spotlight goes to someone who’s been with ABC since day one — our Broodstock Manager, Nate!Nate’s fav...
08/28/2026

Our second-to-last spotlight goes to someone who’s been with ABC since day one — our Broodstock Manager, Nate!

Nate’s favorite part of working with ABC? Getting out on the water!

From organizing broodstock orders and pickups to bringing a wealth of hands-on experience from time spent on the water, Nate plays a huge role in keeping things running smoothly. Our field days simply wouldn’t be the same without him!

We’re grateful for everything Nate brings to ABC!

Our next team member spotlight is Kiley, our Hatchery & Nursery Research Technician! One of Kiley’s favorite things abou...
08/20/2026

Our next team member spotlight is Kiley, our Hatchery & Nursery Research Technician!

One of Kiley’s favorite things about ABC is how team-oriented everyone is—especially during the busy hatchery season! Her hard work and dedication in both the hatchery and nursery never go unnoticed.

Our oysters are happier and healthier because of her! We’re so lucky to have Kiley on the team!

Kicking off the week with our next team spotlight: Robin, our Shellfish Geneticist! Her favorite part of working with AB...
08/17/2026

Kicking off the week with our next team spotlight: Robin, our Shellfish Geneticist!

Her favorite part of working with ABC? The amazing team!

From genotyping samples to analyzing phenotypic data, Robin’s expertise and insights help keep our spawning season running smoothly. We’re so grateful to have her on the team!

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Hayes, VA
23062

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