SUSSEX COUNTY, Del. – Oysters are the literal bedrock of some of our coastal communities. They’re also an important support for the local economy. And, Delaware is just getting started in making aquaculture a viable industry.

Inland Bays Oyster Week

Tourism and aquaculture officials are kicking off the start of a bright future, by celebrating the first-ever Inland Bays Oyster Week.

“This week is going to be chock full of activities,” said Scott Thomas, Executive Director of Southern Delaware Tourism. “Everything from boat tours, to sip and slurps all around Sussex County, culminating in a seafood festival.”

Thomas says southern Delaware is becoming more of a foodie destination every year. And, with the burgeoning business of aquaculture, now is the time to capitalize.

“Agriculture and tourism are it in Sussex County,” Thomas said. “They’re the main drivers… People who are traveling here are finding that they’re traveling further than their food when they come to eat it. That’s a big deal.”

Open Arms to Aquaculture

About ten years ago, Delaware lawmakers opened the door for the state to get in on the aquaculture game, under the Delaware Aquaculture Act.

Since then, scientists, farmers, lawmakers, and other stakeholders have been working hard at getting the industry going.

“It’s a multi-tiered process that includes collecting the spent shells from the restaurants, and putting them back into the bay,” said Ed Lewandowski of the Delaware Sea Grant College Program at the University of Delaware. “It involves growing seed oysters – the baby oysters and larval oysters – that we do at our pilot-scale hatchery on our campus in Lewes. And, it’s working with the growers to make sure they’re able to market their product.”

The pilot hatchery is the first and only facility of its kind in the First State. Lewandowski says he’s eager to see how business, and the oysters, will continue to grow.

“We have over 350 acres of leasing available, and maybe about a tenth of that is actually occupied at this time,” Lewandowski said. “So, there is tremendous potential.”

Setting Farmers Up For Success

And when would-be oyster farmers do decide to get in the game, the experts at Delaware Sea Grant are ready to help. By the fall, officials say up to 1 million baby oysters will be ready for distribution to growers.

For now, the hatchery is helping to support the industry in its infancy. However, the hope is that private hatcheries will start to pop up. And, the potential there is valuable.

Delaware Sea Grant officials tell WMDT that Delaware’s potential oyster industry could be comparable to that of Rhode Island’s; it’s a $7 million business, supporting more than 200 farmers.

Lawmakers Laud Potential

Lawmakers who sit on the state’s aquaculture task force are also seeing green, both financially and environmentally.

“This is going to be a win-win for our community, our economy, our farmers, and our water quality,” said State Senator Russ Huxtable, co-chair of the task force. “The collaboration between all the parties has been so important to establish good relationships now, and set us up for the future of this industry.”

State Representative Jeff Hilovsky, who is also on the task force, echoed the importance of that partnership.

“They are working out the kind of maybe not-so-great things about government and industry working together,” Rep. Hilovsky said. “They put all that aside to make a commitment to establishing an industry.”

Good For the Gander

Those who have already gotten their feet wet in the oyster game say they couldn’t be more excited. For one thing, oysters are “environmental superheroes,” according to Jordan Nally of Nancy James Oysters.

“Each one filters up to 50 gallons of water a day, improving water quality and creating a healthier ecosystem for countless creatures,” Nally said.

And, oysters are good for the gander. Nally says the beloved bivalves are rich in zinc, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and the ability to bring people together. Nally, who named the company after his parents, says the shelled superstars are going to be a game changer for many other families like his.

“When you choose to enjoy a Southern Delaware oyster, you’re directly supporting hard-working families like mine,” Nally said.

Del. Seafood Festival Information

Inland Bays Oyster Week ends with the inaugural Delaware Seafood Festival on Saturday, August 10th. You can get in on the tasty offerings and fun activities at the American Legion Post 28 in Millsboro. Admission is only $5.