Napeague Oyster Garden

Southampton Town Trustee Ann Welker and East Hampton Town Trustee Susan McGraw-Keber now in their third year of oyster farming- Susan began in Hog Creek and subsequently moved to Napeague Harbor when it became available for farming.

“We are deeply committed to the aquaculture programs offered in our communities and support the east end’s shellfish hatchery’s work to cultivate a healthy shellfish business for our fishermen, growing oysters that promote clean waterways, and the preservation of traditions that include the historical efforts of those fishermen who for hundreds of years, lived their lives harvesting shellfish to make a living for their themselves and their families. Current water conditions are a challenge as is climate change for our marine life- we’re working to effect changes and create solutions that will improve our waterways and shellfish growth”

“One of the great perks of oyster farming is the fun of being with other people who enjoy the program and the effort- we share laughter, camaraderie, and the experience and pride of witnessing our oyster seedlings growth because of our maintenance and attention to their habitats. It’s a community project that offers education, friendships, and a feeling of having contributed to a worthwhile challenge that has many rewards. The gift of giving back to our community is a gift I receive in return. We are grateful for the opportunity to participate and encourage others to participate in a very worthy program!”

Accabonac Harbor:

Gardeners: Biddle Duke, Idoline Duke, Edwina VonGal

They call them “Accabonac Blues” from Accabonac Harbor. Grown off Edwina’s dock, at the end of a long plank walkway across the marsh. The gardeners get together from late April to late October to do all that needs to be done — getting the oysters up off the bottom in the spring and having a look to see how they overwintered, cleaning the rig and the bags and sorting through the oysters and chipping off their growing edge so they grow fat and deep. But, really, it’s about the time together. Biddie loves spending time with these two smart, cool women — especially through this pandemic. And to be on the marsh and in the water, watching the little guys grow, and knowing that this is all good for our bays and creeks. This little endeavor is the definition of a blessing any way you look at it.

The East Hampton Shellfish Hatchery’s oyster gardening program provides a gratifying way for the community to connect with our waterways and history. As a longtime clam-digging and oystering enthusiast, I can vouch for the effectiveness of the Hatchery’s efforts.  At least five or six years ago I started noticing a considerable increase of oysters in Three Mile Harbor. So when I learned of the gardening program I dove right in.   

Helping the oysters along from seed to adult is fascinating. Nothing beats a sunny day doing our waterside maintenance: cleaning and shaping the oysters as they grow, scrubbing the cages, and watching out for pests. (It’s a lot more fun than that sounds.) There are great videos and posts on this site that explain about the process.   

Thanks to Barley and his team for creating this worthwhile community effort.