Health and Safety in U.S. Chesapeake Bay Oyster Aquaculture: A Qualitative Study

Aquaculture seafood production exists on every inhabited continent. Small-scale, bivalve shellfish farming is a growing industry on the East Coast of the United States. Aquaculture workers in the US experience high injury and illness rates relative to the average worker, and many small-scale aquaculture operations are exempted from national injury and illness reporting requirements. Given current evidence of occupational safety and health (OSH) risks, planned industry expansion, and limited systematic OSH data collection from small aquaculture farms, it is critical to understand challenges and opportunities to promote worker safety and health on these operations.

We conducted in-depth interviews with nine oyster producers in Maryland (n = 8) and Virginia (n = 1) to document their perspectives on occupational safety and health (OSH) issues.

Respondents reported various hazards and safety interventions spanning the hierarchy of controls. Many desired better access to safety training and interventions.

This study contributes to global efforts to improve safety and health in the fast-growing aquaculture sector. Like other developing aquaculture industries, Chesapeake Bay shellfish aquaculture producers face significant OSH challenges, with limited safety resources and guidance. Governmental industry development support should include funding for robust and industry-inclusive OSH surveillance and interventions, concentrating on the most effective hazard control measures, including elimination, substitution, and engineering controls.