Reducing a Risk

New Hampshire prohibits the import of any oyster seed, no matter how tiny, from areas afflicted by a type of Vibrio bacteria — the leading cause of seafood-borne illnesses — out of concern that it could establish in local oyster farms and cause recurring illnesses as it has in regions to the south. But does this policy effectively prevent illness, or does it mostly prevent farmers from sourcing varied oyster seed that could help the growing industry’s bottom line?

Cheryl Whistler, professor of molecular, cellular, and biomedical sciences, is seeking answers with the help of UNH master’s student Ben Wasson ’24G and undergraduate students. They are testing the actual risk of Vibrio contamination through seed transport, investigating measures to lower that risk and improving techniques to detect harmful Vibrio strains. Whistler’s research, which is funded by NH Sea Grant, will help oyster farmers stay afloat and keep New Hampshire’s local oysters healthy and delicious.