Ferry Cove Oyster Hatchery is helping the aquaculture community prepare for new economic opportunities while working to address coastal resiliency issues and supporting the Bay’s ecology.
The oyster is a species deeply ingrained in our nation’s culture, water quality and economy, The Chesapeake Bay exemplifies these qualities. Habitat restoration efforts on the Bay demonstrate that oyster reefs create ideal habitats for a diverse marine environment. The boom in popularity of eating oysters propelled the bay’s shellfish farming industry and watermen whose families have long worked these waters have expanded into the aquaculture business. Scientific advances have made it possible for hatcheries like Ferry Cove to support the rising demand for shellfish for both consumption and ecological benefits while preserving the traditions of those who work on the water.