Hog Island Oyster Company

FARMLAND: 160 saltwater acres in Tomales Bay, about 50 miles from the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market

PEOPLE: John Finger and Terry Sawyer along with Farmers’ Market Manager, George, Farm Manager, Erik, and 15 full-time employees

FARM HISTORY/PHILOSOPHY: In the farmers' own words: "We grow our shellfish in Tomales Bay, a pristine estuary and a National Marine Sanctuary, just an hour north of San Francisco. Part of the Gulf of Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, and bordered by the Point Reyes National Seashore, Tomales Bay provides a perfect place to grow shellfish. It's shallow waters support rich plankton blooms, the perfect food for the clams, mussels, and the different types of oysters we grow. At Hog Island, we grow all our shellfish using the single seed method. More expensive and labor intensive, it allows us to produce oysters and clams of unparalleled quality.To ensure an ongoing supply of quality seed stock, we contract with five sources in California, Oregon and Washington. We are an industry partner in the Molluscan Broodstock Program, a west coast effort to improve the performance and genetic diversity of our oyster stocks."

ANIMAL HUSBANDRY PRACTICES: Bivalves play an important role in keeping estuaries healthy. Oysters, clams, and mussels are filter feeders that filter microalgae from the water in which they live. Tomales Bay is one of very few places in America where the water is clean enough to raise safe shellfish. Shellfish growing and harvesting waters are certified according to national standards for fecal coliform bacteria levels, as set forth by the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Commission. Regular water testing throughout the year ensures that areas meet these standards.

In 2002, Hog Island Oyster Co. raised about 3 million oysters, and about 125,000 clams. In addition to raising bivalves, Hog Island Oyster Company is involved in watershed restoration efforts to restore native oyster habitats and populations.

PEST MANAGEMENT: Shellfish are contained in polyethylene bags to prevent predation.

ORGANIC CERTIFICATION: None (no organic standards exist for mariculture)