Oyster farming in AK (Anchorage, Valdez: home, travel, lease)

[barnacle9]

I run an oyster farm in Windy Bay, Hawkins Island, Prince William Sound (near Cordova). We typically work April-Oct.

Just curious if anyone else out there has any experience with farming shellfish up here.

Another thought is that I might be able to arrange for interested individuals to spend a few days next summer out there on the farm - likely little/no pay, but a good learning experience, a bunk on the boat, and free food . . . negotiate? Also, possibility of college credit.

Comments/questions???

[warptman]

Don't know much about shellfish...Selfish is another story.......

[Dusty Rhodes]

Sounds like a businessman's dream, free labor, tis a shame the deal isn't so sweet for the guy doing the work. I guess the word "reciprocity" taint in his vocabulary.

[barnacle9]

Originally Posted by Dusty Rhodes

Sounds like a businessman's dream, free labor, tis a shame the deal isn't so sweet for the guy doing the work. I guess the word "reciprocity" taint in his vocabulary.

I am not trying to recruit cheap labor - I would advertise a seasonal job if I were.

What I am saying, is that I might have an opportunity for the right person to gain some knowledge and practical experience.

The possibility of college credit makes this more like an internship potential.

This past year, we were able to arrange a situation where a retired Marine was able to get college credit for working on our oyster farm - he got paid.

I am simply throwing out there that I would be willing to show interested parties 'the ropes'.

Inexperienced workers are not very helpful on the farm, but perhaps they have useful ideas . . .

[FishTAxi]

hi Barnacle,

A few years back we sold our old boat the Northwind to an oyster farmer at Fairmont Cannery. He paid us in fresh oysters every time he came to Valdez town. It was great while it lasted and I hated to see it end.

Now NOBODY brings oysters into Valdez. Tatitlik farmers have a market in Anchorage. Where do you sell yours? Hint Hint.

We know Jim at Simpson Bay Oyster Farm.

As far as learning the trade I think its great what you are offering. Good Luck!

[barnacle9]

Originally Posted by FishTAxi

hi Barnacle,

A few years back we sold our old boat the Northwind to an oyster farmer at Fairmont Cannery. He paid us in fresh oysters every time he came to Valdez town. It was great while it lasted and I hated to see it end.

Now NOBODY brings oysters into Valdez. Tatitlik farmers have a market in Anchorage. Where do you sell yours? Hint Hint.

We know Jim at Simpson Bay Oyster Farm.

As far as learning the trade I think its great what you are offering. Good Luck!

Jim is an interesting character with a wealth of knowledge - I hear he is difficult to work for, but he seems friendly enough. We don't compete with him for market, as neither of us can keep up with demand for our product.

We typically ship oysters to Anchorage, San Diego, and Boston.

We also sell them locally at the Alaskan Liquor Store (same guy owns the farm and the Alaskan).

Next time you are in Cordova during the summer, stop in - if I am in town I can arrange for free samples :-)

[permanentmarkers]

It's not at all out of line to offer an internship-type experience in exchange for unpaid labor - in fact, a friend and I are looking for just that kind of experience. We've mostly been looking through WWOOF - an international organization that connects willing volunteers with farmers in need of free labor; generally, the farmers offer accommodation and food in exchange for a 5-6 hour work day.

So, you could definitely check out WWOOF...or, consider my friend and I! While we're low on shellfish farming experience, we're both quick learners who are college-educated and have done a good deal of work outdoors, from summer camp counseloring to trail maintenance. We're also genuinely interested in oysters! We both have attended various oyster fests and shuck-offs on the East coast; I personally traveled all of last year and had the opportunity to visit (and taste!) the famous oysters of Oualidia (on the coast of Morocco).

So, please let me know if you are still looking for some unpaid help! My email address is permanentmarkers@gmail.com.

Thanks, and good luck in your search,

Alison

[beachbum50]

hey branacle9,

I picked oysters for A while before I joined the Air Force. If I lived closer I would definitely be interested. The problem is that I live on Elmendorf AFB. I am new to the area but I think your oyster farm is pretty far away, right?

Do you know if there are any oyster farms/farmers in the Anchorage area? Like I said before, I am new and not even sure how the oyster grounds are around the Anchorage area. Maybe in the turnagain arm? I don't know. Well If you could give me some info that would be great!

[Rance]

There are some oyster farmers in Kachemak Bay down Homer way. None in the Turnagain Arm area.

[Bruce 01]

How much are farmed oysters in AK? I wasn't even aware that they were being farmed (although not surprised, everything else is), but here in the northeast they are very expensive. If they are farmed, why are they still so pricey?

I love oyster stew but haven't bought any oysters in several years because of the price.