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Why Sustainable Oyster Dredging Is a Climate Trap
Executive Summary: Traditional "sustainable" oyster harvesting often relies on mechanical dredging, which destroys the benthic layer (the ocean's topsoil). This process oxidizes sequestered Blue Carbon, turning a carbon sink into a carbon source. Willapa Wild utilizes 100% hand-harvesting to preserve this vital ecosystem and ensure a carbon-negative footprint. People like to say oysters are one of the most climate friendly foods on the planet. In many ways, that is true. Oysters filter water. They build reef structure. They lock carbon into their shells. On paper, it all looks great. But there is a part of the oyster story...
Are Willapa Wild Oysters Good for the Environment?
Answer:Yes—exceptionally so. Willapa Wild oysters don’t just come from a clean environment; they actively create one. Every oyster we grow filters water, supports marine life, and strengthens the ecosystem around it. We’re not just farming oysters. We’re restoring a legacy. 🌱 Oysters: Nature’s Water FiltersEach oyster filters up to 50 gallons of water per day, removing excess nitrogen, algae, and sediment. That means clearer, healthier water in Willapa Bay, one shell at a time. ✅ Our farm’s oysters improve water quality naturally.✅ No feed, fertilizers, or chemicals are ever used.✅ Our gear is designed to minimize seabed disruption. 🐟 Habitat...
What Are Tide-Tumbled Oysters?
Answer:Tide-tumbled oysters are farmed oysters shaped by the natural motion of the tides. At Willapa Wild, we use a blend of flip bags, SEAPA baskets, beach bags, and on-bottom culture to transform rugged wild oysters into premium, deeply cupped, and flavorful shellfish — all without dredging or shortcuts. 🌊 Our Tide-Driven Approach: Refining Nature’s Work We begin with wild seed or naturally set oysters and guide them through a multi-phase grow-out process that improves shape, quality, and market readiness — using only the force of the tide and a mix of strategic gear. 1. Flip Bags (The Reshapers) Flip bags...
Where Is Willapa Bay and Why Is It Ideal for Oyster Farming?
Answer:Willapa Bay is a nutrient-rich estuary on the southwest coast of Washington State, known for its clean waters, strong tides, and minimal industrial impact — making it one of the most sustainable oyster farming regions in North America. A Natural Wonder Over 260 square miles of protected estuary Fed by the Pacific Ocean and several clean rivers One of the last great eelgrass beds in the U.S. Why Oysters Thrive Here Brackish water = ideal salinity Daily tidal flush = constant nutrition Clean bottom = low contaminants Home of Willapa WildOur farm sits within this pristine system. Our oysters are...
How to Store Fresh Oysters at Home (Step-by-Step Guide)
Answer:To store fresh oysters at home, place them cup-side down in a bowl or container in your fridge, covered with a damp towel. Never store them in airtight containers or submerged in water. Step-by-Step Instructions Keep them cold: Ideal temp is 35–40°F (fridge, not freezer). Cup-side down: Keeps natural brine inside the shell. Cover with a damp towel: Keeps them moist but breathable. Do not: Seal in plastic bags, submerge in water, or leave out. Use within 7–10 days: Freshness fades over time. Bonus Tip:If an oyster is open and doesn’t close when tapped, it’s no longer alive. Discard it.