Whitaker Strain, a second-generation oyster farmer, operates a 90-acre oyster farming business at Tomales Bay, where they cultivate five species of oysters, clams, and mussels. They utilize various culture methods such as floating lines, ground lines, and rack and bag techniques while emphasizing environmental stewardship by monitoring local species and collaborating with scientists and management agencies.
Discovering Oyster Farming at Smallest Bay
Welcome to Our Oyster Farm
Hello and welcome! My name is Whitaker Strain. As a second-generation oyster farmer, I’m excited to introduce you to our family-operated farm located on the scenic shores of Smallest Bay. Since 1985, we have been dedicated to cultivating oysters in this beautiful environment.
Our Operations and Species
We manage three leases across a total of 90 acres in the bay. Our diverse farm is home to five different species of oysters, along with clams and mussels. Most of our processing takes place at our beachfront location, ensuring fresh and high-quality products.
The Oyster Nursery Process
Before reaching the bay, our oysters begin their life cycle at our nursery located in Spud Point Marina in Bodega Bay. Here, they spend about six months growing in a controlled environment. By the time they are ready to be moved to the bay, they reach approximately half an inch in size. This initial stage is crucial for their development.
Innovative Farming Techniques
Our nursery employs a combination of ballast and water pump systems to draw seawater through each upweller. This process helps fluidize the oyster seed bed, allowing for higher densities and better growth conditions. The juvenile stage of oysters is particularly critical, and we’ve found that once they pass this phase, their survival rates in the bay significantly improve.
Enhancing Oyster Growth
The design of our nursery, including water flow and upwelling, promotes accelerated oyster growth by increasing the availability of algae, enhancing dissolved oxygen levels, and efficiently removing waste products. Additionally, the nursery offers protection from weather and predators, ensuring our oysters thrive.
Exploring Our South Bay Lease
Recently, I had the opportunity to guide visitors through our South Bay lease, which spans about 15-20 acres. This is where we conduct most of our floating culture operations. We utilize floating bags and lines, each containing around 250 oysters. This method ensures the oysters are exposed to the beneficial tumbling action that enhances their quality.
Various Oyster Culture Methods
We employ a variety of oyster farming techniques, including floating lines, ground lines, and rack-and-bag systems. Each method offers unique benefits, and we aim to incorporate a mix to optimize our farming practices. Our primary goal is to be responsible stewards of the environment.
Environmental Stewardship
Being good stewards of the bay involves monitoring the areas where we farm and safeguarding species like eelgrass. We collaborate with management agencies and scientists, sharing our findings to contribute to sustainable aquaculture practices. Our partnerships, such as with UC Davis Aquaculture and Dr. Jackson Gross, are integral to our commitment to environmental sustainability.
We hope this glimpse into our oyster farming operations has been insightful. Whether you’re an experienced farmer or a curious beginner, we are thrilled to share our journey with you.
