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Chebeague Island Oyster Company by Bob Earnest

Chebeague Island Oyster Company was formed as a result of conversations during CICA (Chebeague Island Community Association) meetings regarding alternative ways to get food from the bay. The thought was that small-scale shellfish farming might lead to good local jobs that would supplement lobstering.

a leased site off Little Chebeague, which enjoys nice flow and warmer temperatures than are found elsewhere around Casco Bay.

This summer we’re fortunate to have an

intern through the Island Institute, and—even better— she’s a Chebeaguer. Julia Maine graduated this spring from Bowdoin, where her seniors honor thesis examined the effects of ocean acidification on juvenile oysters. We look forward to working with Julia as we all learn more about the business of oyster farming.

We started with 50,000 baby oysters (spat) in the spring of 2013, and added another 50,000 in the spring of 2014. Last year we upgraded our “nursery” to a floating upweller and were therefore able

to start 250,000 spat. This spring we’re starting 500,000 spat, and we expect to do so annually going forward. At 2 mm in length, 500,000 baby oysters barely fill a large yogurt container. In three to five years, though, if all goes well, they will grow to 2.5 to 3 inches in length—a nice size to serve on the half shell or cooked. As the oysters grow, we move them out of the upweller and onto

A few other islanders have started building their own oyster farms. We’re excited about this development, as it was one of our original goals. If you want to learn more about shellfish farming, check out our Facebookpage( www.facebook. com/chebeagueislandoysters ) or have a chat with David, Bob, Hank, or Caitlin. And stay tuned: later this summer we’ll begin limited sales of fresh oysters on Chebeague!

Chebeague Island Oysters This summer we plan to sell our oysters at several restaurants in Portland, and occasionally we’ll have a “sale day” on the island. Volume will start small and will grow over the next few years. Follow us at facebook.com/chebeagueislandoysters to learnmore, or email chebeagueislandoysters@gmail.com to be added to our mail list.

Celebrate the Fourth of July on the Island! This year’s theme is Fun and Games. Whether it’s “Game of Thrones,” the game of life, Candyland, or “Fun, Fun, Fun” Beach Boys’ style, we are looking forward to seeing your float in the annual parade!

The fun continues after the parade, with plenty of games, activities, and fabulous food at the school.

If you have ideas for great field-day events or would like to help plan and oversee the activities, please contact the Island Council at 846-4988. We’re game if you are!

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June 2016 CHEBEAGUE ISLAND COUNCIL CALENDAR