Jay Styron

Jay Styron graduated with a B.S. in Marine Biology from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington (UNCW) in 1990 and has worked with oceanographic programs at UNCW for the past 25 years.  He started his career with UNCW’s NOAA-funded National Undersea Research Center, where he worked out of Key Largo, Fla., as well as Wilmington, N.C.

In 2008 Jay changed careers within the University and is now the Director of Marine Operations.  In 2006, he and his wife Jennifer started Carolina Mariculture Co. in Cedar Island, N.C., where he grew up.  Carolina Mariculture Co. specializes in off-bottom oyster production for the half-shell market, with the primary goal of producing high-quality seafood without being detrimental to the environment.

Carolina Mariculture Co. is a member of Carteret Catch, a grassroots organization devoted to promoting local seafood and educating the public on issues concerning commercial fishing and fishermen.  Jay is also on the Board of Directors for NC Catch, a group devoted to spreading the word about seafood throughout the state, and serves as a member of the Aquaculture Committee for the North Carolina Farm Bureau.

Contact Jay at carolinamariculture@mail.com