Chris Linder Photography

Project » Shellfish farming

SEMAC

Shellfish farming

"Shellfish aquaculture represents a very sustainable, organic, environmentally positive way of raising protein. The process takes three years during which the quahogs are "free ranging" on plankton in the water. The result is a hormone and antibiotic free, mineral rich, high omega 3 fatty acid food with a reputation for homeopathic and aphrodisiastic qualities." -shellfish farmer Conrad Geyser.

In this documentary assignment, I photographed a year in the life of a shellfish farmer. From Duxbury to Wellfleet, I worked alongside shellfish farmers planting their seed, harvesting their oysters and quahogs, and maintaining their equipment.

A selection of photos from this assignment can be viewed in the shellfish farming portfolio. This assignment was funded by Barnstable County.

Visit the Store to buy a 2008 shellfish farming calendar.