July 20th 2024 – It’s Okay To Be Shellfish
Harrison Tobi, Cornell Cooperative Extension.
Shellfish (a.k.a, bivalves or mollusks) are essential to a healthy marine ecosystem. Shellfish are filter feeders that eat many algae species, helping to clarify our waters. Additionally, by eating the algae that live off of the consumption of nutrients, such as nitrogen, shellfish also help keep our waters healthy. In addition to their environmental benefits, shellfish are also delicious and are both caught and grown for humans to eat, which helps support our local economies.
Adult scallops collected from Peconic Bay that survived the mass die-off, which will be used as broodstock in a 2023 spring spawn (left). CCE’s Harrison Tobi holds lantern nets of juvenile scallops spawned in June 2022 (middle). The spawned scallops are housed in raceways at CCE’s hatchery (right). (Photo credit: Hilary Macht)
Where did you go to school?
High School: Mount Mansfield Union High School, Vermont
College: University of Vermont
Master’s Degree: University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
What is your area of research?
Shellfish Ecology and Biology; Bay Scallop Stock Restoration and Enhancement; Shellfish Aquaculture and Research
Who or what inspired you to become involved in marine science?
My curiosity for marine science began when I was very young. When I was about ten years old, I was breeding fish, and selling the baby fish to the local pet store. About a year or so later, I started keeping tropical marine aquariums, building my own filtration systems, and growing and selling coral. In high school, I tried to take as many science classes as possible. My passion for raising and growing fish and coral along with the science classes I took in high school led my career in shellfish aquaculture and restoration.
What qualities do you think are important in order to become a scientist?
An interest and curiosity for the natural world. Lot’s of studying of different scientific topics. Spending time outside in nature.
Why is your research topic important?
Me and my team focus on restoring bay scallop populations in the Peconic to bring back the important fishery they once supported. Restoration of the fishery would bring back important revenue and jobs for Long Island’s coastal communities. Additionally, my team and I work with shellfish farmers on Long Island to help develop the industry and improve the industry’s economic impact on our communities.
What will you be bringing with you to the “meet with an Oceanographer” day?
I will bring in baby scallops and oysters. Aquaculture gear to show how shellfish are cultivated in aquaculture. I will also bring other visuals to further illustrate local shellfish species, restoration, and aquaculture.
What is the best advice you have for people interested in becoming involved in your field of research or in marine sciences?
Take as many classes as possible pertaining to marine biology and ecology. Try to get to the beach and collect shells. Look for volunteer opportunities to get hands on experience with different research organizations. Additionally, local aquaculture farmers often have summer jobs available.
What is your favorite ocean organism?
I love clownfish and corals, but my favorite marine organism is the bay scallop. It has been the focus of about 10 years of research for me.
You want learn more about Harrison