3.5 Million Oysters Are Harvested At This Virginia Farm Every Year
Who is Ward Oyster Company
More About Ward Oyster
Ward Oyster Co. is one of few fully integrated oyster farms on the East Coast, which is totally self-sustaining. Ward produces its own seed oysters from adult oysters, which it then either grows out on its own farm or sells the surplus seed to other farms up and down the East Coast. Not only does this process not put pressure on the depleted natural wild oysters stocks, but we add oysters to the general populations. From 5 to 6 thousand oysters per year Ward produces over 1 billion larvae (swimming baby oysters) and over 100 million baby seed oysters. Our activities not only enhance the environment we all respect and enjoy, but it also plays a role in the cleaning of the Chesapeake Bay and other waterways. Wards methods of harvest, grading, cleaning of equipment and shipping are all done in as eco-friendly a way as is currently possible.
Aquaculture Oyster History at Ward Oyster
Due to Ward Oyster Co.'s unique grow out location in the Mobjack Bay, its oysters have a distinctive and exquisite taste it takes from its surroundings. On incoming tides, the waters of the Chesapeake Bay accelerate and run over the area where our cages are placed, creating excellent growing conditions with the pristine waters of the Mobjack Bay as their primary food source. The year-round salinity of the Mobjack Bay averages 15 to 23 parts per thousand, which gives our oysters a sweet and salty taste without being overpowering. Their taste beckons you to have another! Check out our online store.
John's Vision
John's vision for the company was to pursue clam and oyster aquaculture, in addition to the wild products. As Ward Oyster Co. pursued the growing of both clams and oysters it soon became evident that the oyster aquaculture was the best fit for Ward's location on the Ware River and Mobjack Bay. Based on John's desire to do aquaculture, he formed a sister company called Mobjack Bay Seafood, Inc. This company took over all wild clam and oyster purchases as well as distribution for both companies products. Both companies, although completely separate entities, operate out of the same location in Ware Neck, VA. You can check out Mobjack Bay Seafood, Inc. at www.mobjackbayseafood.com. This spin off allowed Ward Oyster Co. to focus all of it's efforts on aquaculture and the oyster farm.
