Q:What specific oyster and shellfish species does Ferry Cove Hatchery cultivate?
A: Ferry Cove Shellfish currently produces the Eastern or American Oyster (Ca. Virginica). This species is native to the East and Gulf Coasts of the United States.
Q:Can Ferry Cove be visited? Are tours offered?
A: Ferry Cove is open during the week for visitors from 9AM to 2PM. We do offer limited tours of the facility by appointment only. If you are interested in scheduling a tour, please contact us at info@ferrycove.org or call 410-886-1006.
Q:Are individuals or businesses able to purchase oyster spat or shellfish from the hatchery?
A: We do sell oyster larvae for setting purposes and small oyster seed (2 mm in size) for cage culture. We ask that orders are not less than one million larvae and / or 50,000 seed. To place an order, please complete and submit the order form. https://www.ferrycove.org/order-now/
Q:Can we purchase market size oysters from the hatchery?
A: Ferry Cove does not sell market size oysters. There are local seafood whole sellers and private aquaculture growers in the Easton / St. Michaels / Tilghman Island area that sell fresh oysters.
Q:What measures does Ferry Cove take for assessing the health and quality of their oyster and shellfish products?
A: Quality is very important to us! Ferry Cove hatchery staff regularly inspects all of brood stock, larvae, and seed being grown in the facility for their health and growth rates. We are part of a regional shellfish and biosecurity program (https://rssbp.org/) to ensure the products that leave our facility are disease free. We regularly screen and sort the larvae and seed to optimize growth and staff monitor water quality and algae through microscopic analysis to minimize the likelihood of contamination. For our buyers, be assured that we do not sell any oyster larvae and seed that do not meet our strict quality standards.
Q:How does Ferry Cove contribute to the local environment?
A: At full production, the hatchery will be producing and selling up to one billion oysters a year that will primarily be grown in Chesapeake Bay. As those oysters grow, they will each filter up to 30 gallons of water a day and in the process remove excessive nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) from the Bay while providing valuable marine habitat for other marine species.
Q:Why was the hatchery built in this area of Maryland?
A: Sherwood was selected as the location for the facility for several reasons. In addition to the Eastern shore typically having better water quality, we had over two decades of water quality data that was critical to understanding the type of systems that were required to meet our production goals. In addition, the property had ample shoreline needed for nursery operations, it was close to an urban center to attract talented and experienced staff and it was centrally located to the bulk of our customers.
Q:How does Ferry Cove collaborate with local communities or organizations in sustaining oyster populations and the health of Chesapeake Bay?
A: In addition to producing oysters that will be grown in Chesapeake, we believe that the Bay’s future is dependent on helping to educate and teach the next generation of caretakers. That is why we sponsor a local Girl Scout and 4H club at the facility, we are a training site for future aquaculture growers and try to be a role model for other businesses by demonstrating how a company can integrate a successful business with a working waterfront while being environmentally friendly.
Q:What is the best way to contact Ferry Cove for further inquiries?
A: The easiest way to contact us via email at info@ferrycove.org. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@ferrycove) for the latest updates.
