Peace Talk — Autumn 2006
The Quarterly Newsletter of Peace Action MaineOne of the oldest oyster shell middens is on the banks of the Damariscotta River. Shells have been dated back 3000 years. In the 1800’s the shells were mined for their calcium, though there is still evidence of oyster shells at a state sanctuary along the river. By the late 1800’s the oyster population had been wiped out by the runoff from sawmills and brickyards. When sawdust settled on the river bottom the oysters were smothered.
Pemaquid Oyster Company re-introduced oysters to the Damariscotta River by starting an oyster farm 20 years ago. There are now a dozen oyster farms on the Damariscotta River and 25 more in other parts of Maine. Why oyster farming? Like any farm, the goal is growing delicious food. A sustainable venture, unlike wild fisheries, there will never be over-fishing.
Pemaquid oysters are sold for the half-shell market to 25 or 30 restaurants in Maine and are distributed to restaurants from Philadelphia to Toronto. Today, a new population of wild oysters is developing in the river, probably some of the larvae from the farm that settle to the bottom and spawn. In 2001, Chris Davis and his two business partners organized the first annual Pemaquid Oyster Festival and in the wake of the tragedies of 9/11 they sent the proceeds to fire fighters working in New York. In 2003, they founded the Ed Myers Marine Conservation Fund, and have made contributions through that fund to benefit science education in Maine schools including the Gulf of Maine Foundation, based at the Darling Center. They have also supported the Carpenter’s Boat Shop at Pemaquid Point and the Damariscotta River Association, a local land trust. At last year’s Festival, 8000 oysters were shucked and $6000 was donated to those good causes!
This year’s Oyster Festival will be held on Sunday afternoon, September 24 starting at noon at the Schooner Landing Restaurant on Main street in Damariscotta. You can enjoy oysters on the half shell and know the proceeds will be well spent!