Michael James Oesterling

I was so sorry to hear about Mikes's passing. When I first joined the Tidewater Oyster Gardeners Assn. (TOGA) Board of Directors in 2006, I was excited to attend the Master Oyster Gardeners course, developed and conducted by Mike. Mike was also a co-founder of TOGA and inspired, taught, and supported the volunteer group until his retirement in 2011. We remember Mike as a leader and friend.

Mike was a true characterter, full of wit, knowledge and a keen sense of organization. We did several fisheries related projects and programs together includin g adventures down in Ecuador and Venezuela. And over the years we spent time swinging brews and sharing lies. Vaya con Dios my friend. Charlie Petrocci

In 1996, Mike served on a project funded by the State of Florida to retrain commercial fishermen impacted by a state constitutional amendment banning the use of gill nets in coastal waters. The topic was soft blue crab production. Mike was the perfect choice. His humor, ability to connect with people angered by the amendment, and obvious enthusiasm to share his hard-won knowledge yielded workshops that were well-received and acted upon. The Florida landings for soft crab jumped in volume and...

Dawn, Gary, family, Laura and I send our condolences.

Dawn and Gary. Sorry for your lost love you guys

Dawn, Gary and family. May peace be with your family at this difficult time. Fondly remember Mike from our Center Twp. days.

Like many in our industry Mike was my introduction to Virginia shellfish. I always admired his passion, knowledge, and demeanor when our paths crossed and although it saddens me to think his advice has concluded, I feel fortunate to have a career shaped by his hard work and efforts. Our community comprises some of the best people I have met in my life and Mike is top of the class. He will be missed dearly.

Mike helped me get my business started 16 years ago. Will miss his friendship and knowledge.

Mike was a great shellfish industry representative. Always informed and thoughtful. All my interactions with Mike were walking the Hill in DC or at shellfish conferences. I appreciated his knowledge and humor. Rest in peace Mike.