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"From their first tiny harvest in 1984 to the 3 million oysters they raise annually
today, Hog Island Oyster Company has become one of the most celebrated
oyster producers in North America”
Martha Stewart, October 2007 |
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Hog Island Oyster Company was founded in 1983 by three marine biologists who shared a love of the ocean, a passion for quality seafood and oddly unique skills in marine aquaculture. Before quitting their day-jobs the partners brought their
talents together into a single unified vision: to produce the best, premium
quality, locally grown oysters in California.
Selecting Tomales Bay for its pristine, nutrient-rich waters, the partners planted
their first 10-acre lease in a northern estuary where the fresh waters of Walker
Creek join the Pacific Ocean. Rock crab and sea lions enjoyed much of that
initial crop, but when the partners finally harvested their first 25 bushels of sweet,
succulent Hog Island Pacific Oysters a Bay Area legend was born.
Today Hog Island Oyster Company leases 160 acres in Tomales Bay and sells over 3 million oysters and Manila clams annually. Hog Island raises Pacific
Oysters (Crassostrea gigas), Kumamoto Oysters (Crassostrea sikamea) and
Atlantic Oysters (Crassostrea virginica) as well as Manila clams and mussels.
From pioneering a state-of-the-art aquaculture farm, to testing and adapting
world-class growing methods, to advocating policy on clean oceans and
watershed conservation, co-owners Terry Sawyer and John Finger have
dedicated their lives to their original vision.
"The bottom line is, to raise beautiful, healthy oysters - you must begin with
beautiful, healthy waters," says John, a founding member of the Tomales Bay
Watershed Council. "Oysters deliver subtle nuances and flavors of their
environment. Like fine wines or fine cheese, they are a product of their terroir. A Hog Island Oyster's terroir is Tomales Bay and we will continue to be ardent
stewards of this rich resource.”
In November of 2003 Hog Island Oyster Co. opened a new chapter of their
business with the launch of the Hog Island Oyster Bar. The Hog Island Oyster
Bar delivers the freshest, ultimate oyster experience to Bay area residents and
visitors alike in a location that reflects our dedication and commitment to local,
organic and sustainable foods.
Hog Island Oyster Company is an independent company dedicated to producing
fresh, premium quality oysters and shellfish raised in a sustainable and
environmentally beneficial manner.
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