Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do oysters help their surrounding environment?
A: The oyster is a natural filter feeder. They reside in the water, typically attached in a safe area. They sit back only to let the currents do the work for them while they gather the food floating by. This feeding activity helps clarify the water. Allowing sunlight to penetrate deeper through the water. When this happens, new grounds for aquatic plants can grow to help aid in underwater oxygen production. This cycle helps biodiversify areas while offering protection to juvenile fish species. Oysters filter approximately 40-50 gallons of seawater a day per oyster.
Q: How long have you been growing oysters?
A: I started working as an oyster farm hand in 2015, learning the trade while working through the logistics of starting my own farm. Tisbury Oyster Co. officially launched gear in May of 2022.
Q: What gear types do you use?
A: I utilize the entire 1 acre site by growing oysters at all water depths. Starting at the very surface when the oysters are young. Then after maturing, I will eventually drop them to the full 26 ft. depth the farm is stationed on. It can depend on the time of year and what they look like. Some that grow need more time in one style cage than another. I try to shape each oyster as much as I can control for a desired texture and shell composition. I see my site as a floating sculpture with each oyster a piece of the art.