Oysters a growth industry

Mark H. Goerner has spent most of his adult life as a commercial fisherman, but recently went out on his own. Now he’s learning firsthand the challenges associated with growing and harvesting oysters in Narragansett Bay.
Goerner, principal owner and founder of Jamestown Oyster Co. Inc., says the oyster business can be a struggle. He’s already run into various issues, including losing oyster seed, battling symbiotic species and maintaining equipment tormented by the elements.
He remains optimistic, however, and hopes his harvest this coming summer will be the start of a year-round business.
Incorporated last year, Jamestown Oyster Co. so far has sold some of its products locally in Jamestown, where the business is based. But most of it has gone to the Ocean State Shellfish Cooperative, a consortium of Rhode Island oyster farms, which characterizes itself as acting like a “microbrewery for oysters.”
“Oysters in Rhode Island are a bright spot,” Goerner said. “The water quality here is good and as long as you have good water quality, you’ll have a good product.” n

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