All of 401 Oyster Farms practices and growing methods are environmentally friendly. The oyster farm itself has many positive impacts on the pond. The bags and cages all provide structure and habitat for juvenile fish, crabs, and other organisms that live in the pond. The oysters are constantly filtering which helps to reduce turbidity, improve overall water quality, and prevent anoxia in the water. They also aid in removing nitrogen from the water, which is converted to body tissue, and then removed from the system upon harvest.
We use a few different methods to yield us the best quality oysters. The first of these is a “rack and bag” system, which consists of PVC pipe racks with plastic mesh bags containing the oysters laid on top. Another technique is growing them in a variety of wire mesh cages. Some of the cages act as a shelf system for the bags, typically holding 6 bags in a 2 wide by 3 high configuration. Others are stackable trays that directly contain the oysters in them in two levels. Also, a topless tray style is currently being used.
These oysters have been proclaimed “the best oysters in the world.”
Farmer: Brian Pinsky
Oyster Varieties: Breachway Oysters
Available: Wholesale through the Ocean State Shellfish Co-op
Location: Ninigret Pond, Charlestown
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1694 Charlestown, RI 02813
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Offering tours leaving from Ninigret Landing Marina.
401 Oyster Co
401 Oyster Co
