December has arrived, signaling the conclusion of another year filled with countless adventures. This column has been my gateway to “taking on” diverse people and places, enriching my understanding in ways I might never have imagined. This month was certainly no exception, as I delved into the intricacies of the local oyster farming industry. The experience took me out to an oyster farm, immersing me in the waters with Sharkbite Oysters, and providing an opportunity to engage in conversation with the Indian River Oyster Company.

In 2017, marine biologist Dennis David, previously associated with the Florida Wildlife Commission, embarked on a pioneering venture with his family, establishing the Indian River Oyster Company (IROC). This initiative marked the first water column lease on the east coast of Florida, situated in the waters near Canaveral National Seashore.

Subject to approval from state and federal regulations, including the governor, the process of securing the lease took approximately 10 months. The chosen locations were specifically selected to align with their farming method, utilizing the bag system. In this approach, steel racks are embedded in the sand, and plastic mesh bags are laid across the tops of these racks, surrounded by water when the tide comes in. The preference for shallow areas facilitates ease of farming, providing a more accessible environment, while also offering enhanced protection during significant storms and hurricanes.

Currently, there are two zones covering 7.5 acres from the surface to the bottom on either side of the shipyard channel, located near Mary McLeod Park in Bethune Beach. These areas are diligently monitored for water quality, enabling us to enjoy oysters year-round in our region.

Collaborating with Ryan Norris, the primary force behind the farming efforts, they have established an opportunity for individuals to participate in educational sessions about the oyster farming process. This initiative not only promotes learning but also encourages support for other local oyster farmers in the area. When asked why would you train your competition he simply stated, “they are not competition, they are a community of people creating a better environment for our estuaries.”

It was now my turn to explore the oyster farms firsthand, so I picked up the phone and called Sam Walsh, the owner and operator of Sharkbite Oysters. This family business, initiated last year, is a collaborative effort involving Sam, his mom Giselle, dad Jim, and his partner Hannah. The excitement began for me the moment I laid eyes on their Instagram account. The Wes Anderson-style skit featuring Sam on the boat, complete with a zinc oxide-coated nose, was both impressive and amusing. Then I headed over to the website which shares a compelling story of their beginnings and offered a preview of the delightful experience awaiting me.

We boarded the boat crafted by Sam himself, aptly named Booby – although not for the reason most minds might assume. I know, we entertained that thought too, but it’s actually named after the blue-footed booby, a bird. Navigating through the sandbars, a task that certainly required a knowledgeable captain, we steadily approached the oyster farm. It was my first encounter with an oyster farm, and truthfully, it wasn’t quite what I had envisioned. I suppose I had anticipated seeing oysters everywhere.

Sam quickly jumped out of the boat and began demonstrating the intricacies of the oyster farming process. Initially hesitant due to the chilly weather that day, I was quickly persuaded to jump in by Tiffany. Once in the water, Sam opened a bag secured with a bungee cord, revealing a collection of beautiful medium-sized deep-shelled oysters. He went on to elaborate that at Sharkbite Oysters, the objective is to ensure each oyster possesses an identical appearance, characterized by a briny yet sweet minerality and flavor influenced by the merroir – the minerals in the water, similar to terroir in wine, impacting its unique characteristics.

I actually hadn’t tried any of his oysters before, so he shucked a few and handed me some to taste right there in the middle of the Intracoastal. The flavor was a wonderful mix of salty and sweet – it was my first time enjoying one fresh out of the water. There was no need for lemon or horseradish, it was perfectly balanced. We enjoyed a couple and got back to the questions.

Talking with Sam, his passion is as clear, as is his concern for the environment. His eyes lit up when he spoke about the benefits of oysters, emphasizing how they filter up to 50 gallons of water per adult oyster each day as well as create a habitat for sea life, provide estuary reefs, and offer the potential for more jobs in our water-centric area. “Oysters only provide, they take nothing from the environment.” Sam explained.

Want to try them yourself? For both retail and commercial customers, they offer 50 count or 100 count bags. If the order is placed by Wednesday afternoon, the oysters can be ready for pickup or delivery as soon as Thursday afternoon. If you’re a local in New Smyrna Beach, they can arrange for convenient local delivery or pickup. For those a bit farther away, no worries! They offer overnight shipping within the U.S. Just drop them a message, specifying the quantity you need and the destination, and they’ll get back to you ASAP!

But that’s not all. They can cater your event! They offer catering services for local Volusia County events and are even willing to travel for an additional fee. They bring everything you’ll need to enjoy their oysters without having to do any of the work. Drop them a line to reserve your day and get a quote!

Sam and his family offer unique jewelry handcrafted by his mom, Giselle, using oyster shells and he has his own custom-branded apparel line available on his website. Definitely keep this in mind if you need a unique gifts!

As we said goodbye to Sam and his Booby, I couldn’t help but appreciate the incredible impact of individuals like him, his family, and the team at IROC. They haven’t just forged a business opportunity; they’ve paved the way for the future, fostering an environment where nature can thrive and replenish itself without causing harm to our ecosystem. Thank you so much for the chance to explore an unknown subject and another amazing adventure.

Till next year… Bobby G out!

SHARKBITE OYSTERS
SharkbiteOysters.com | @sharkbiteoysters

INDIAN RIVER OYSTER COMPANY
IROCoysters.com | @iroc_oysters