Today we’ll discuss what it means to harvest sustainable oysters and clams, the reasons why the wild population remains unaffected, and what the process is for maintaining natural flavors of the local environment.
First, let’s reiterate that H.M. Terry Co remains strongly committed to our natural environment. We care about the well-being and quality of the shellfish we produce. As such, our livelihood with oysters and clams is a reflection of the surrounding ecosystem’s well-being. We work in the water on a daily basis, and of course have a deep love and appreciation for the ecosystem ecology.
This impacts the quality of our hatchery-produced clams and oysters so they can grow to standard market size. This has a lot to do with the waters in which our product is grown. Known by the United Nations as one of “The Last Great Places,” the Atlantic waters of Hog Island Bay are designated a United Nations Biosphere Reserve. Because we grow farm-raised oysters and clams, we ensure our ecosystem remains clean and healthy.
Did you know that farm-raised shellfish are known as the greenest form of seafood production? It’s all backed by science. Both clams and oysters are connected in big ways to the health of the overall ecosystem. Why? There are many reasons:
- Oysters and clams are filter-feeders, and by definition they clean the water column when they feed on the excess algae and nutrients there. Just one oyster filters up to 50 gallons of H2O daily.
- Clam beds and oyster grounds act as a natural habitat for the growth of marine life.
- Farm-raised shellfish reflects a sustainable model of how to produce seafood (basically, we give back much more than we take).
A Sustainable Partnership
To show the level of our environmental commitment, we have partnered with Sensible Seafood. Spearheaded by the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation, this initiative takes place in partnership with Monterey Bay Aquarium. The mission is to promote sensible, sustainable seafood choices on the part of consumers.
Our goals align seamlessly, and those goals are to ensure a clean, healthy ecosystem with sustainable seafood production at the heart. When it comes to our Sewansecott oysters and clams, it’s always been a source of pride that we offer a quality, sustainable product that may very well be known as organic if such a label applied to seafood. For over 100 years, we have grown our products in harmony with nature. We don’t add supplements, additives, or chemicals— it’s all natural.
Contact HM Terry Co. For Fresh Sewansecott Oysters
H.M. Terry Co. stands behind a promise of sustainable, quality products that are grown in the pristine waters of Hog Island Bay. Call us anytime to place an order at 757-442-7006.
