Evaluation of Innovative Post-Harvest Oyster Treatment Technologies

Goal: Evaluate innovative technologies that could improve the safety, quality, and affordability of post-harvest oyster treatment.

Naturally occurring Vibrio bacteria pose an ongoing food safety challenge for the shellfish industry, particularly during warmer months. Existing post-harvest treatments can be expensive and may affect oyster quality, creating a need for more effective, affordable, and consumer-friendly alternatives.

TerrAqua was part of a multidisciplinary team that evaluated two innovative disinfection technologies combining advanced water purification with photocatalytic oxidation to reduce Vibrio, norovirus, and other pathogens in live oysters while preserving product quality and viability. Through pilot studies, the team established baseline data on oyster survivability and assessed the technologies' potential for commercial application.

If successfully commercialized, these technologies could provide shellfish growers with a cost-effective, non-lethal approach to improving food safety, expanding market opportunities, and supporting the long-term sustainability of shellfish aquaculture.

Partners: Delaware State University, Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources; Ocean Equities, LLC; Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center; Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control; Puradigm, LLC