Swell Oyster Company Spotlight: A Deep Dive into Their Coastal Operations
In the picturesque Hampton Harbor, Swell Oyster Co. stands as the first and only oyster farm, setting a new standard for sustainable aquaculture. Co-founders Conor Walsh and Russ Hilliard, who met at the University of Rhode Island while studying aquaculture, have turned this idyllic location into a thriving hub for shellfish farming.
Swell Oyster Co. farms Atlantic Oysters, bay scallops, littleneck clams, and soft shell clams, providing a diverse selection of seafood. The farm's unique location in the harbor not only offers a picturesque setting but also provides a rich habitat for a variety of wildlife, including striped bass, flounder, baby lobsters, hermit crabs, and more.
The farm's retail space, the Swell Oyster Shack, is the first and only farm-to-table establishment in New Hampshire. It offers Swell's oysters and bay scallops, as well as products from other New England farms, caviar, fish pate, lobster sliders, and sea scallops from farms throughout New England.
One of the Shack's signature offerings is the "Secret Sauce," a spicy fermented mignonette created by Conor Walsh's father, Chef Brendan Walsh. The sauce is made by finely chopping shallot, champagne vinegar, white wine, and blending the fermented jalapeno and serrano peppers. The "Secret Sauce" is a unique condiment that adds a zesty twist to the farm's fresh seafood.
Sustainability is at the heart of Swell Oyster Co.'s operations. The shellfish farms help filter 50 gallons of water per day, improving the harbor's habitat. The farm is also the first and only shellfish farm in Hampton Harbor to be permitted for "suspended aquaculture."
The "Tide to Table" series, which profiles members of the aquaculture community, including Swell Oyster Co., aims to increase access to fresh, sustainably sourced American seafood. The series also highlights the importance of ecosystem stewardship, coastal communities, and economic opportunities in the aquaculture industry.
Swell Oyster Co.'s products are available for shipping, farm pick-up, and are sold locally to restaurants. For those visiting the area, a trip to the Swell Oyster Shack offers a taste of the farm's fresh seafood and the unique "Secret Sauce."
Whether you're a seafood lover or simply looking to learn more about sustainable aquaculture, Swell Oyster Co. is a must-visit destination in Hampton Harbor, New Hampshire.
