Cultivating Shellfish on the Eastern Shore

Cherrystone Aqua-Farms is a family-owned business with the 5th generation currently at the helm.  Known for working on the waterways of Virginia’s Eastern Shore for over a century, they operate open water, put-and-take clam and oyster farms with a focus on sustainability and respect for the unique environment that produces their shellfish. Because they have been at it for so long, their farms are located in prime places in Eastern Shore peninsula creeks, from bayside to seaside. 

These Eastern Shore experts in cultivating bivalves are fully committed to sustainability and use advanced techniques, including a filtration system for live clam processing to eliminate grit.  

Their oyster operations involve careful breeding, nurturing, and placement in growing areas around Chesapeake Bay and ocean sites to ensure quality and consistency. Shellfish farming is a net-positive, providing water quality improvement, habitat creation and biodiversity, carbon sequestration, shoreline protection, and a low environmental footprint.  The farm prides itself on combining tradition with innovation, and their commitment to sustainable seafood production that supports ecosystem regeneration while delivering exceptional oysters and clams. 

Oysters & Clams Are Environmental Heroes 

Oyster and clam farming provide significant environmental benefits beyond sustainable seafood production. Shellfish farming is net positive, which means it has more benefits to the environment than negative consequences. Both types of shellfish have a low environmental footprint, growing naturally by filter feeding, so they don’t require feed. Cherrystone Aqua-Farms doesn’t use chemicals or antibiotics, just clean water and careful stewardship. 

• Oysters Protect the Shoreline - Large-scale oyster reefs act as natural breakwaters, softening wave energy and helping to reduce erosion along shorelines. While farm gear isn’t the same as a wild reef, oyster aquaculture can complement restoration efforts and ease pressure on wild populations. Clam beds also stabilize sediment, reducing erosion.  
• Carbon Sequestration and Recycling - Oysters and clams lock carbon and nitrogen into their shells and tissues. When harvested, these nutrients are permanently removed from the water column, helping to offset pollution. And because oyster farming doesn’t require feed, fertilizer, or freshwater inputs, it’s one of the lowest-impact ways to produce animal protein.   
• Supporting Wild Populations - By providing a reliable supply of farmed oysters, aquaculture reduces harvesting pressure on wild reefs, giving them a chance to recover and continue their own ecosystem services.  
• Water Quality Improvement – Both oysters and clams are little filtration systems. A single adult oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water a day, removing excess nutrients like nitrogen and improving water clarity. Clearer water means more sunlight can reach underwater plants like seagrass, which then support fish, crabs, and countless other species. Clams remove excess phytoplankton, organic particles, and excess nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. This improves water clarity and oxygen levels, curbing harmful algal blooms that can damage ecosystems.  
• Habitat Creation & Biodiversity – Whether they’re grown on the bottom or in floating cages, oysters form structures that attract marine life. Juvenile fish, crabs, shrimp, and other creatures use oyster shells as shelter, turning farms into mini ecosystems that boost biodiversity. Clam beds do the same.  

It's All in the Family 

The dedicated Cherrystone Aqua-Farms team of hatchery attendants, farmers, and more are committed to the health of the waterways. They live, work, and play on the water. They understand how vital it is to be good stewards of the environments and ecosystems in which they farm. Every oyster and clam is part of a larger story: one of clean water, healthy habitats, and a Chesapeake Bay worth passing on to the next generation. 

When you choose oysters and clams from Cherrystone Aqua-Farms, you’re not only enjoying a taste of the Chesapeake, but you’re also supporting a tradition of sustainability, healthier waters, and a future where seafood gives back.