We are proud parents to 300 baby oyster seeds!
Master Oyster Rancher Todd has introduced to us the world of oyster farming. This new hobby started with a morning stroll on the beach at low tide and a casual chat between neighbors. Our first question we asked Todd, “What are those baskets laying on your beach?” which lead to an educational conversation all about oysters. Our chat ended with, “You should really try this out!” So… our journey begins as oyster rancher apprentices.
Mid May in the Pacific Northwest is the ideal time to start our oyster garden. Utsalady Bay’s salty brackish cold waters provide an ideal habitat to grow Pacific Oysters. The seeds originate from broodstock that breeds the triploid. Male and females do not exist in this species, so all energy is diverted from reproduction to growth. According to the University of Washington Fisheries Professor Kenneth Chew, developer of the triploid Pacific Oyster, “The old adage that oysters should only be eaten during months with an “r” does not apply to triploids”. Just to be safe, before harvesting, ranchers should check the local Shellfish Safety Information for water conditions.
On seed pick up day, we wake up before dawn to carpool 2 hours to Taylor Shellfish Farms. Thanks Kris for driving and providing stimulating conversation for the not so long drive!
Arriving at the farm, there’s a line of 20 eager ranchers. The wait goes quickly as we watch high school teens direct traffic and confirm preorders. There’s an air of excitement and anticipation as we inch our way up the line.
After gently placing the seeds on ice in the cooler, we are ready to transport these babies home. We first make a quick stop at the onsite Taylor Seafood Market to pick up a bag of recently harvested Manilla clams for tonight’s dinner. Geoduck intrigues us, but we will save this for next time. T is already imagining cooking them Chinese style, pounded and sauteed with fermented black soybeans. Yummy!
We arrive home and the work begins. There’s no time to waste. The negative .37 ft tide is turning and it will soon be high tide. Under Todd’s direction, T gets to work quickly to prepare the planting. With permission from neighborhood authorities, T sinks 2 cement blocks into wet sand to serve as anchors for our baskets. Todd ties double 8 knots, while we zip tie the baskets securely. We’re ready to go!
D does the easy job of gently placing the 300 seeds inside their new home.
Throughout the year we will monitor the growth and health of these oysters. Some die, but most survive. Maintenance includes watching the tide, checking the lines for wear and tear, tossing out expired oysters, separating the large from small growth oysters, and scrubbing out barnacles. One year from now, we are hopeful that our baskets will be filled with 300 sweet and plump morsels, ready to be grilled on the bbq!
Several times a day the tides ebb and flood, as a result of the gravitational pull of the moon and earth. These tides bring nutrients such as micro algae to our little babies. A single oyster can filter the sea’s water as much as 50 gallons in a single day! During the feeing process, the oyster removes the ocean’s pollutants and leaves the water cleaner. Shells diffuse the ocean’s energy and therefore help in preventing erosion, while also serving as a breeding ground for marine life.
As the flood tide completely submerges all grow bags and baskets, we give a sigh of relief that our part is done. We started the oyster garden for the future reward of a tasty morsel, but learned that our efforts in aquaculture will also make a difference in cleaning our waterways for a healthier environment.
Thank you Todd for your guidance and showing us the ropes. We are looking forward to comparing growth notes (like new parents), sharing recipes and enjoying the bounty of our new oyster garden.
funandfreedee 