Growing Areas
Site Selection
Our growing areas are leased from the state of Maine along the Damariscotta River estuary where the oysters are fed by naturally occurring phytoplankton. We do not grow oysters in a controlled environment, use any feeds, fertilizers, antibiotics, circulators or enhancements of any kind. We use knowledge of the oysters and the estuary to put seed oysters where we think their requirements for optimal growth and survival will be best met, and let nature provide for their needs. Water circulation, temperature, food quality and availability, and compatible co-existence with other recreational and commercial uses of the waters are key factors in the site selection process.
About the Glidden Point Oyster Name
Native Indians and early settlers of the Maine coast once feasted upon wild oysters from the Damariscotta River leaving behind heaps of shells, charcoal, bones and artifacts piled high on the banks of the upper estuary. Glidden Point is the site of these ancient shell middens, estimated to be 2100 years old. The "Glidden Midden" has been studied extensively by archaeologists and historians. We borrowed the name for our oysters from this local treasure. For reasons unknown, the original natural oysters population which once supported these early people no longer exists. Today oyster farmers in the Damariscotta River estuary are using aquaculture to continue a pastime of local historical significance.
Our growing areas are several lease sites along the Damariscotta River estuary in the waters of Newcastle, Bristol, S.Bristol and Edgecomb. Our wharf, boats, retail and wholesale shellfish facility are at Dodge Lower Cove by water, which is on the River Road in the town of Edgecomb by land.
Pristine Water Quality is Essential
The Damariscotta River estuary is recognized as one of the cleanest in the Northeast, with fresh ocean water from the briny Atlantic flushing in twice daily. At time when coastal pollution is an ever increasing concern, we can boast that Glidden Point oysters are grown in pristine Maine waters where contamination by pollutants is minimal, an especially important consideration with shellfish which are often eaten raw. The waters of our growing area are tested regularly for bacterial content by state laboratories to ensure that they remain in compliance with stringent water quality standards of approved growing areas.
Damariscotta's Gone Wild!
A wild oyster population has been re-established in the Damariscotta River estuary! Every year local aquaculturists grow tens of millions of oysters in the Damariscotta. Over the past decade the cultured oysters on leased beds have spawned. The oyster larvae are carried by currents along the shore, often miles from the original aquaculture leases. The larvae then metamorphose and develop a shell, attaching themselves to rocks, ledge, or shell hash. The once extinguished wild oyster fishery of the Damariscotta River has returned. Pockets of wild oysters can be found by beachcombers and explorers at low tide in the upper estuary. If you are planning on collecting oysters be sure they are not from an aquaculture lease site, and check the status of Red Tide and Water Quality closures using the links provided before harvesting.
Click on the links below to access important information from the State of Maine Dept. of Marine Resources: