The Auburn University Shellfish Laboratory

The mission of AUSL reflects the mission of Auburn University – to provide instruction, research and outreach in the area of shellfish production to the citizens of Alabama, the region and the nation. The lab was established with industry input to conduct practical research, in the spirit of the Land Grant University, to foster

Currently in residence at the facility are Scott Rikard, (facility manager, research associate), and LaDon Swann (Interim Director, Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium). Professors conducting research and supporting graduate students at the AUSL are Dr. Rick Wallace (Director, Auburn Marine Extension and Research Center) and Drs. David Rouse and Yolanda Brady (Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures, Auburn University). Two graduate students, Kim Hamilton and Anthony Jackson, are using AUSL as their base for thesis research.

Though the lab is currently open, it will not be fully operational until the spring of 2002. At that time the ground floor of the facility will contain a 4000 square foot wet lab. Work is currently underway to install two 6-inch pipelines extending to the rock jetties at the south beach to deliver water to the facility. The concrete slab for the ground floor wet lab is expected to be installed very shortly.

An official open house will be scheduled in the near future but anyone wishing to tour the facility may do so by calling Scott Rikard at 251/861-3018.