How To Start A Shellfish Farm

You're thinking of starting a shellfish farm? Congrats! Good people are badly needed in this industry. Here's what you need to know.

You will need $10,000 to start your business. You will need additional money for the lease and the equipment.

Also Read: How To Start A Shellfish Farm >>> 

You will need a permit from the state. Contact the Maryland Department of Agriculture for details.

If you have problems with the application, you can call me at (410) 867-5309. I'm happy to help!

I'd also be happy to meet you in person if you want to come visit my farm, which is located on beautiful Smith Island in the Chesapeake Bay.

Shellfish farming is a type of aquaculture. It's a way to raise clams, mussels, oysters and scallops in the water. You can start a shellfish farm with just a few steps.

Step 1

Choose your location. A great spot to put your shellfish farm has plenty of rocks and water that is not too fast-moving. You should also pick an area where there is not too much pollution in the water. The best spots to start shellfish farms are usually near river estuaries.

Step 2

Get a permit from your state or province to harvest and sell the natural shellfish in your area. Then, get a lease for the land where you plan to have your shellfish farm.

Also Read: Shellfish Farming For Profit >>>

Step 3

Buy seed from another shellfish farmer or from one of the many shellfish hatcheries around the world. Seed is small clams, mussels or oysters that you will be growing bigger for sale. Usually, the seed are about half an inch long when you buy them.