Episode 30: SharkBite Oysters -- Navigating Nature's Challenges with Sam Walsh
Send a COMMENT to OYSTER-ology here!In this episode of OYSTER-ology, I get back together with Sam Walsh of SharkBite Oysters. Sam discusses his journey from studying marine biology to becoming an oyster farmer in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. He shares how oyster farming's sustainability and lifestyle benefits drew him in after experiences in finfish and shrimp farming. Sam highlights his growth from a small operation to a million oysters in the water. He talks about the unique challenges of oyster farming, starting with having to build his own boat, to fighting barnacles and dealing with hurricanes. He also discusses the importance of high-quality, clean oysters and his catering ventures that connect his farm to the community. Through this engaging conversation the true essence of SharkBite Oysters is revealed through Sam’s sense of humor, enthusiasm and authenticity., leaving open the question: will he complete the Oyster-A-Day-For-A-Year challenge?00:00 Introduction and Breakfast Talk00:39 Guest's Background and Early Career03:03 Transition to Oyster Farming06:36 Starting the Oyster Farm08:55 Challenges and Growth17:08 Hurricane Preparedness21:45 The Art of Scraping Barnacles24:06 Catering and Community Engagement25:12 Farm Tours and Expansion27:47 Distribution and Marketing Strategies29:17 The Perfect Oyster34:32 Challenges in Oyster Farming38:32 Future Plans and Personal StoriesLinks:Sharkbite Oysters website (https://sharkbiteoysters.com/)Link to Sam’s Instagram An Oyster-A-Day Campaign:Sam's Boat: The Lumberyard SkiffPlease be sure to Like and Follow OYSTER-ology wherever you listen to podcasts, and tell others about it. Every positive mention of it helps more people find the podcast!
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Episode 29: Meta Mesdag and Salty Lady Seafood Co: Cultivating Oysters and Family in Alaska
Send a COMMENT to OYSTER-ology here!This week on OYSTER-ology I sit down with Meta Mesdag, Founder, Owner and Operator of Salty Lady Seafood Company in Juneau, Alaska. Meta shares her unanticipated journey of becoming an oyster farmer after moving from Portland. A critical aspect of hef family-oriented farm, which started in 2018, is including her kids and other young people in its daily operations. But the farm's primary goal is not to turn her children into oyster farmers, but instead to help them become well-rounded, successful individuals who are not afraid of hard work. Meta emphasizes the challenges and joys of oyster farming, from handling harmful algae blooms to fostering a sense of belonging and hard work among the young crew members. Despite the physical and logistical hurdles, she highlights the rewarding aspects of seeing oysters grow and fostering a supportive, close-knit team. And through our conversation we see how responsible oyster farming not only fosters the future of the environment, but also the futures of those who do the farming.00:47 Welcome to OYSTER-ology01:10 Starting Salty Lady Seafood06:36 Learning the Ropes of Oyster Farming15:25 Challenges of Oyster Farming in Alaska22:24 The Role of Family and Community30:54 Future Plans and Reflections33:00 Conclusion: Passion and GratitudeLinks:Salty Lady Seafood Company website (https://www.saltyladyseafood.co/)YouTube video: Meet Your Alaskan Farmer, Meta Mesdag (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPvJhfjVbL0&list=PLuuqkhFcq8idjBvLfvo84uO3qPos2Gxvi&index=2)Sea Grant Article about Meta Mesdag (https://alaskaseagrant.org/2019/05/juneau-oyster-farmer-battles-red-tape-to-grow-family-business/)Please be sure to Like and Follow OYSTER-ology wherever you listen to podcasts, and tell others about it. Every positive mention of it helps more people find the podcast!
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Episode 28: Doing Good and Doing Well: an entrepreneur's approach to oyster farming with Peter Stein of Peeko Oysters
Send a COMMENT to OYSTER-ology here!In this episode, host Kevin Cox sits down with Peter Stein of Peeko Oysters on Long Island's North Fork to hear about his unique journey to becoming a visionary oyster farmer and the daily realities and complexities of oyster farming. He discusses the challenges of working with a "ruthless and relentless" Mother Nature, to the surprising obstacles of starting a business in aquaculture and building it into a vertically integrated business. Beyond the farm itself Peter introduces his innovative business philosophy, the intrinsic value of a living oyster reef and the concept of ecosystem services—the idea that oyster reefs provide long-term benefits to the environment beyond just human consumption. You'll hear about his push for a shift in corporate perspectives, where businesses understand and quantify the value that an oyster reef provides far beyond merely the market price of it’s parts. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in sustainable food, the intersection of business and environmentalism, or the fascinating world of oyster farming.00:00 A Humbling Start in Oyster Farming00:31 Introducing Peeko Oysters01:39 From Job Loss to Oyster Farming02:35 The Benefits of Oyster Farming03:49 Starting Peeko Oysters04:14 Exploring Vertical and Aquaculture Farming06:31 Learning the Ropes of Oyster Farming08:29 Current Operations and Techniques09:58 Challenges and Innovations in Oyster Farming13:18 The Hatchery and Scaling Up18:54 Technological Barriers and Solutions22:34 Contract Growing and Industry Opportunities23:37 Exploring Contract Growing in Oyster Farming26:09 The Role of Infrastructure in Oyster Farming27:16 Diving into Oyster Varieties and Market28:38 The Future of Oyster Aquaculture30:10 Valuing Oyster Reefs Beyond Harvesting40:11 Challenges and Learning in Oyster Farming42:45 Balancing Business Growth and Daily Operations46:46 Concluding Thoughts and ReflectionsLinks:Peeko Oysters website (https://peekooysters.com/)Oyster Heaven website (https://oysterheaven.com/)FlipFarm website (https://www.flipfarm.co.nz/)Greenwave website (https://www.greenwave.org/)Please be sure to Like and Follow OYSTER-ology wherever you listen to podcasts, and tell others about it. Every positive mention of it helps more people find the podcast!
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Episode 27: Oyster Safety -- What You Need to Know About Vibrio with Dr. Andy DePaola
Send a COMMENT to OYSTER-ology here!Understanding Vibrios in Oysters with Expert Andy DePaolaIn this episode of OYSTER-ology, host Kevin Cox is joined by Dr. Andy DePaola, a renowned marine biologist and aquaculture expert, to discuss the crucial topic of bacteria in shellfish, especially focusing on Vibrio bacteria. The episode delves into the risks, safety measures, and the naturally occurring presence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus in oysters. Andy shares his extensive experience from working with governmental agencies and industry leaders, providing a comprehensive overview that balances scientific detail with accessible explanations. Listeners will learn about the dynamics of these bacteria, safety protocols in oyster farming, and practical tips to minimize health risks while enjoying raw shellfish. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of food safety and aquaculture.00:00 Introduction to Vibrio in Oysters00:43 Meet Dr. Andy DePaola: Marine Biologist and Oyster Expert03:59 Understanding Vibrio Bacteria05:23 Types of Vibrio: Parahaemolyticus and Vulnificus06:53 Andy DePaola's Journey into Vibrio Research10:14 Vibrio Outbreaks and Their Impact15:07 Safety Measures and Risk Management26:35 Oyster Farming Practices and Regulations30:02 Oyster Harvesting and Safety Concerns30:40 Medley Oysters and Multiple Source Cases31:09 Parahaemolyticus Control Measures31:57 Outbreaks and Case Studies34:40 Vibrio Control and Cooling Techniques37:57 Consumer Safety and Cooking Tips44:33 Global Vibrio Surveillance and Risks47:38 Campylobacter and Oyster Farming Challenges50:56 Future Concerns and Final Thoughts53:46 Conclusion and Final RemarksLinks:Article about Andy DePaola (https://www.scenic98coastal.com/posts/andy-depaola-depe-oysters-coden-alabama)CDC Webpage on Vibrio (https://www.cdc.gov/vibrio/about/index.html)FDA fact sheet on vibrio parahaemolyticus (https://web.archive.org/web/20090815125845/http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/FoodborneIllness/FoodborneIllnessFoodbornePathogensNaturalToxins/BadBugBook/ucm070452.htm)Please be sure to Like and Follow OYSTER-ology wherever you listen to podcasts, and tell others about it. Every positive mention of it helps more people find the podcast!
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Episode 26: Cultivating the Future: North Carolina's Oyster Blueprint with Erin Fleckenstein
Send a COMMENT to OYSTER-ology here!Shownotes:Join us as we dive deep into the North Carolina Oyster Blueprint, a comprehensive initiative aimed at balancing oyster habitat restoration, sustainable harvesting, shell recycling, and outreach education. Erin Fleckenstein, the Oyster Program Director for the North Carolina Coastal Federation, takes us through the evolution of the blueprint from its origins, challenges, and successes. for expanding in a sustainable way the oyster industry while at the same time protecting the environment, maximizing water quality and creating greater public awareness of the importance of oysters to the public. North Carolina is a pioneer in this collaborative approach and dedicates significant effort to keep it current, relevant and responsive to the needs of all involved in oyster-related businesses. Learn about the North Carolina Oyster Trail, the pivotal role of partnerships, and the coordinated efforts to make the state's oyster industry a model of sustainable aquaculture. Discover the key elements of the oyster blueprint, including habitat creation, water quality protection, and the collaborative approach involving state agencies, nonprofits, shellfish growers, and university researchers.00:00 Introduction to the North Carolina Oyster Blueprint00:33 Meet Erin: The Oyster Program Director00:53 The Role of the North Carolina Coastal Federation02:20 The Birth and Expansion of the Oyster Trail02:58 Understanding the Oyster Blueprint03:44 The BRACO Report and Its Impact04:42 Formation of the Oyster Blueprint Alliance06:02 Progress and Updates on the Oyster Blueprint07:06 Challenges and Successes in Coordination09:37 Historical Context: The North Carolina Oyster Wars10:47 Modern Oyster Farming Techniques11:35 Support Systems for New Oyster Farmers13:11 The Aquaculture Hub Initiative15:04 Funding and Future Plans for the Hub16:31 Coordination and Advocacy Efforts19:08 Tracking Oyster Industry Progress20:47 Future Growth and Goals for the Oyster Industry23:16 Personal Insights: Erin's Oyster Preferences24:24 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsLinks:North Carolina Coastal Federation (https://www.nccoast.org/)North Carolina Oyster Trail (https://ncoystertrail.org/)Please be sure to Like and Follow OYSTER-ology wherever you listen to podcasts, and tell others about it. Every positive mention of it helps more people find the podcast!
OYSTER-ology is a podcast about all things Oysters, Aquaculture and everything from spat to shuck. We dive into this watery world with those who know best – the people doing it everyday – and through lively, unfiltered conversations we learn their stories, challenges and opportunities. In each episode we’ll cover different aspects of oyster farming, restoration, ecology and, of course, eating. For those in the business it’s a chance to learn what others in today’s oyster industry are doing and make new contacts. And for the millions of eaters who love to slurp oysters or want to feel like experts at the raw bar -- this is the podcast for you!
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