The Molluscan Ecology Program within the Department of Fisheries Science at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) is a dynamic research group that derives its origins from the original oyster biologists at the Virginia Fisheries Laboratory, the organizational ancestor to VIMS. We provide research-based advisory service to Virginia for oyster biology, ecology, restoration and fishery management, plus our research includes a wide range of other topics.
Building from 30+ years of experience, we have worked since the late 1990s with scientists and industry members on stock assessment, modeling, and aging of both Atlantic surf clam and ocean quahog populations along the East Coast of the United States. Graduate education at the Masters and the Ph.D. level is an integral component of our program at all levels.