Oesterling named distinguished graduate at Butler
The Butler Senior Class of 2018 chose Michael Oesterling as its choice for the 39th annual Distinguished Graduate Award.
Oesterling, a member of the Butler High School Class of 1966, earned a bachelor’s degree in biology at the University of Miami in 1970, followed by a master’s degree in zoology in 1976 from the University of Florida.
After holding several positions with the University of Florida, Oesterling affiliated with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science in 1981. There, he established the migratory patterns of the blue crab. He led the development of the soft-shell crab shedding system, adding to the profitability of the industry and became a leading authority in bivalve aquaculture development.
He has served as a consultant to companies and governments in the United States, Brazil, Nicaragua, Australia, Ecuador, Chile, Venezuela and Mexico.
Oesterling’s work has led to successful sea farming of oysters, clams, scallops and mussels. He has authored several dozen reports and publications on a variety of aquaculture topics, from procedural and site selection guides to histories of the industry and from research results to seafood cooking instructions.
Oesterling’s work has had an impact on everything from domestic commercial seafood farming to aiding the economies of coastal communities in developing countries.
