The 'green' ocean enterprise of oyster farming
Lobsterman Jon Rogers views his proposed, eight-acre oyster farm off Orr’s Island in Harpswell as a green enterprise that’s good for the ocean and a potentially profitable supplemental business, The Times Record reported.
“It’s a passive fishery; I’m not going out and taking anything from the ocean — I’m adding to it,” he told the paper. “These are filter feeders. There is the potential that the water will be cleaner.”
Rogers joins a growing aquaculture sector in Maine. According to Maine Sea Grant, in recent years, oyster culture has broadened throughout the state, and has attracted new entrants, many of whom come from marine trades, especially commercial fishermen. Income from aquaculture can supplement fishing or can become a stand-alone business for those leaving the fishing industry. According to the Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center, today, about 65 oyster farms in Maine extend from York to Washington counties raising tens of millions of oysters per year for the white table cloth market.
Neighbors present at a hearing on Rogers’ proposal expressed support.
“I think this is a wonderful opportunity for the town,” said Jane Smith. “I think things like this could multiply.”
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