Inspiration Dissemination

Megan is a first-year Marine Resource Management Masters student who is working on a project to map the distribution of an invasive mud worm (Polydora websteri) that infects native shellfish such as the commercially grown Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) and wild populations of Olympia oysters (Ostrea lurida). Working with ODFW, Megan visits shellfish farms located in estuaries along the Oregon coast and picks up oysters which are inspected for worms. If found, samples are then sent to a lab in Washington for genetic analysis to confirm infestation. Megan says that farmers may not even know their oysters are infected and she hopes to expand her work beyond just ecological sampling to outreach and mitigating an emergent problem. Megan’s passion for education goes far beyond aquaculture. In this episode, learn more about Megan’s research and outreach goals beyond her graduate work including oyster restoration at Yaquina Head. Hosted by Daniel Watkins and Chelsea Behymer. Please find us on social media! Twit