⚠️ Important Disclaimer

Last updated: March 2026

Nature of the Service

OysterCast provides growth predictions, harvest timing suggestions, and environmental data visualization based on satellite observations and mathematical models (Dynamic Energy Budget theory). These outputs are estimates and forecasts, not measurements of actual conditions at your farm.

Vibrio Risk Scores

Vibrio risk assessments shown in OysterCast are informational only and are based on satellite-derived sea surface temperature data and published scientific literature. They are:

• NOT a substitute for state or federal Vibrio control plans
• NOT a substitute for ISSC/NSSP requirements
• NOT validated for food safety decision-making
• Based on regional satellite data that may not reflect conditions at your specific site, depth, or time of day

You are solely responsible for complying with all applicable state and federal shellfish harvest regulations, Vibrio management plans, time-to-refrigeration requirements, and food safety standards.

Harvest Timing Recommendations

Optimal harvest window scores consider meat quality, spawning status, regulatory periods, and Vibrio risk based on peer-reviewed scientific literature. However:

• Local conditions may differ significantly from satellite observations
• The DEB model is calibrated for general Northeast US conditions and may not reflect your specific site, gear type, or husbandry practices
• State regulatory windows change and may not be reflected in our system in real time
• Always consult your state shellfish management agency before making harvest decisions

Deployment Timing Recommendations

Deployment timing scores are based on published research and climatological data. Actual conditions in any given year may differ substantially from historical averages.

Satellite Data Limitations

• SST (NOAA OISST): 0.25° resolution (~25km grid). Your farm may be in a bay, estuary, or shallow area where actual temperature differs significantly from the satellite pixel.
• Chlorophyll (VIIRS): Weekly composites with cloud gaps. Coastal waters are challenging for satellite ocean color algorithms.
• Data may be delayed 1-7 days from real-time conditions.
• When satellite data is unavailable, the system falls back to climatological models.

No Warranty

OysterCast is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, express or implied. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any predictions, scores, or recommendations.

Limitation of Liability

In no event shall OysterCast, its creators, or affiliates be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from the use of this service, including but not limited to:

• Crop loss or reduced harvest due to reliance on predictions
• Foodborne illness claims related to harvest timing
• Regulatory violations based on information displayed in OysterCast
• Financial losses from deployment or harvest decisions

Your Responsibility

By using OysterCast, you acknowledge that:

• You will make all harvest and deployment decisions based on your own professional judgment, direct observation, and applicable regulations
• You will not rely solely on OysterCast for food safety decisions
• You are responsible for monitoring actual conditions at your farm site
• You will comply with all state and federal shellfish regulations independently of any OysterCast output

Scientific References

The models and scores in OysterCast are informed by peer-reviewed research. Citations are displayed alongside predictions. The inclusion of citations does not imply endorsement by the cited authors or institutions.

Contact

Questions about this disclaimer? Contact us at [email protected].