Down on the Oyster Farm

Three women, one small boat, bopping about above the inlet field.

As you read this, I am in Strathmere, New Jersey, with Amanda, a young woman who established an oyster farm three years ago. We met up about an hour ago at the Whale Creek Marina just as the tide was coming in. Along with my sister as the camera woman, we climbed into a little motor boat and Amanda steered us over to her patch of the bay where her oysters grow.

Amanda established the farm at probably the worst time. It was the start of the pandemic and restaurants, her main customers, were closing. But there was an upside: The past three years gave her oysters time to mature to market size.

Oyster farming is a competitive and arduous business, but through grit, stubbornness, and a great sense of humor, Amanda and her oysters have made it through the down time and are beginning to thrive.

It’s a great story, and we’re having a fine time. I’ll tell you all about it next week!