Curt is President of Bay Shellfish Co., a 23 year old bivalve hatchery focused on seed production for research, restoration, commercial farming and new species development. He serves on the board of the Florida Shellfish Aquaculture Association and is the bivalve representative on the Florida Aquaculture Review Council.

Ed is CEO of the Chiles Restaurant Group, comprised of three waterfront restaurants in Manatee County, Florida. Each has its own unique atmosphere and all three specialize in sustainably produced seafood.

Ernesto is a Biologist working at the Lee County Hyacinth Control District controlling aquatic weed and managing the water quality laboratory. He teaches Biology and Microbialogu at Florida South Western State College. Ernesto also serves in the Advisory Board for the Florida Seagrant, the Coastal and Heartland National Estuary Program and Sarasota Bay Watch.

Bill's research background encompasses clams, scallops and oysters throughout Florida and the southeastern U.S. and spans a range of disciplines including biology, archaeology, genetics, larval dispersal, aquaculture, restoration, and management applications.

Joe is a commercial clam producer based in Cedar Key, Florida and serves on the board of the Cedar Key Aquaculture Association.

Josh is an Assistant Professor with the UF/IFAS Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program. His research and outreach focuses on restoration aquaculture using a variety of species and habitats, including oysters and scallops.

Bruce has conducted applied research supporting the shellfish industry for over 30 years as a faculty member at the Rutgers Shellfish Laboratory, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, the University of Maine, and most recently, Eckerd College.

Angela is the Florida Sea Grant agent in Manatee County and works closely with the southwest Florida aquaculture industry. She is a fisheries biologist, specializing in cooperative research with recreational and marine interests.

Dinorah is a Coastal Ecologist and her research has spanned locations in Florida, East Africa, and French Polynesia. Relevantly, a major component of her dissertation work, which she completed at the University of South Florida, focused on investigating interactions among Eastern Oysters, Red, and Black Mangroves.