Sophie and I spent a day with our friends Callie and Thomas of Steamboat Wharf Oyster Co. These guys are growing oysters in the Rappahannock River that are not only delicious but great for the environment. We had the best time and learned SOOOO much good stuff.

Behind The Scenes

It all starts by “planting oyster seeds.” These baby shellfish are only 6 millimeters across and take twelve to sixteen months to grow into the delectable goodness you eat at your favorite restaurant or oyster roast. We planted approximately 250,000 tiny oysters, and throughout the fall, winter, and most of next year, Callie and Thomas will separate, trim, clean, and care for them to harvest around Thanksgiving next year.

How Are Oysters Good For The Environment?

While we were wading in the water, Callie told us that one adult oyster filters up to 50 gallons of water EVERY DAY! Did I mention we planted 250,000 future adult oysters… good deed of the day DONE! Later, Thomas casually mentioned that they also help with a little something called CARBON SEQUESTRATION. I’m pretty sure that he was not expecting the onslaught of excitement, comments, and questions that came from me after he offered that tidbit of information. I had no idea that oysters could take carbon from the water and air and use it to grow their shells where it is permanently stored. I did some additional research and found a study in Australia concluding that carbon contributes 12% of an oyster’s overall shell mass. How amazing is that!!!

What We Learned About Farming Oysters

Oyster farming is an economical solution to an environmental problem.
Callie and Thomas of Steamboat Wharf Oyster Co.

Oysters are not only friggin’ delicious but they are also critical to a healthy bay. They filter water, stabilize the shoreline, and create habitats for native species. By farming oysters, we can alleviate the stress on the wild oyster population and allow the bay to flourish once again.

Support Your Local Farmer

If you are in Virginia, please visit my friends at www.steamboatwharfoyster.com. If you aren’t in VA, find your local oyster farm and support them! Just another way to heal the earth, eat delicious food and support your community farmers.

No Experience Necessary,

Kelly