💡 Member Spotlight: Bill Walton

We’re excited to feature Bill Walton, Acuff Professor of Marine Science at the Batten School & VIMS, in this member spotlight post! Bill was one of the 2024 AIE Award Winners, receiving the Industry Advocate award! We are thrilled to be showcasing the instrumental work he’s done in extension and for the industry!

AIE: Can you tell us about yourself? What does your work consist of at VIMS?
Bill: I’m the Acuff Professor of Marine Science at the Batten School & VIMS, where I both coordinate the shellfish aquaculture program and direct the Acuff Center for Aquaculture. As a group, the shellfish aquaculture program strives to advance and support a thriving sustainable shellfish aquaculture community in Virginia and the United States, through globally relevant shellfish aquaculture science, outreach, and education. My own work centers on ways to improve production, developing innovative approaches and understanding what consumers want.

AIE: Can you discuss how you use the Aquaculture Information Exchange to manage your Shellfish Aquaculture Program group?
Bill: Working with Karen Hudson of the Marine Advisory Program, we had been using an email list-serv for internal communications. We moved to AIE for two reasons. First, for those within the program, the platform lets us communicate as we did with email but has the advantage of keeping those pictures, files, etc. in a readily accessed format. Second, it also gave us a way for anyone on AIE to interact with our group to share thoughts, ask questions, etc.

AIE: What is the most rewarding part about working in extension?
Bill: In Virginia, VIMS serves an official advisory role as science advisor to the Commonwealth on marine and coastal issues and provides expertise to Virginia residents. In my work, I get to work with commercial shellfish growers, non-profit organizations, regulators and government officials . For sure, the most rewarding part of that work is seeing someone taking research that we’ve done and use that to help them make decisions. Those are the types of changes that might seem small on the surface, but can make real changes in the lives of people and communities.

AIE: We know one of the ways you use the VIMS C-SALT research farm as a tool for educating current and future shellfish farmers about farm operations, gear types, and growing methods. What do you share with farmers when you take them on a tour of the VIMS C-SALT research farm?
Bill: It’s always a two-way street, comparing notes and talking with each other. With experienced growers, we can get down to a pretty detailed level: tricks assembling baskets, different knots used, things like that. With newer growers, we want to learn about what that person is looking to do and what their challenges are. In addition, the research farm really helps ground our research.

AIE: When you’re not shucking oysters or covered in oyster mud, what do you enjoy filling your free time with?
Bill: Working with clams, scallops and mussels! Oysters are great but I’m always glad to get to work other species. Beyond shellfish, I am a huge baseball fan and spend more time checking box scores than I should. I also enjoy cooking and enjoying meals with family and friends. And for sure, I love spending time with my wife, Beth, and two sons, Cameron and Quinn.