There once was a time when Georgia dominated the oyster harvest and canning industry. However, Georgia oystering was slowed by environmental and economic shifts. Today, a group of scientists and oyster farmers are working to revive the state’s oyster industry. Their story is profiled in a new book, “A High Low Tide: The Revival of a Southern Oyster,” by Andre Joseph Gallant and published by the University of Georgia Press.

Andre Joseph Gallant

Gallant will discuss the book at a special Evening @ Skidaway program on Friday, November 16, in the McGowan Library on the University of Georgia Skidaway Marine Science Campus (10 Ocean Science Circle, Savannah, GA 31411). The event will begin with a reception at 6:15 p.m., followed by the program at 7 p.m.

Gallant uses the bivalve as a jumping-off point to tell the story of a changing southeastern coast, the bounty within its waters, and what the future may hold for the area and its fisheries. With “A High Low Tide: The Revival of a Southern Oyster,” he places Georgia, as well as the South, in the national conversation about aquaculture, addressing its potential as well as its challenges.

The program is co-sponsored by the UGA Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, The Book Lady Bookstore, Coastal WildScapes and the UGA Willson Center of Humanities and Arts.

The program is open to the public, and admission is free. Space is limited. To reserve a seat, please call (912) 598-2325 or email mike.sullivan@skio.uga.edu.