A Simple Organization Method
As any oyster farmer will tell you, it’s complicated keeping track of your oysters out on the lease. While they can’t run away, it’s hard to remember when each bag of oysters has been tumbled, sorted, and is ready to sell. At Ferda Farms they use a simple and effective method to keep everything organized. Each bag that they put out has a small colored plastic tag attached. While these were designed for tagging sheep’s ears, they’re used to mark different stages in the growing process. This helps keep everyone on the same page so that regardless of who’s out on the water to check on the oysters, it only takes a quick look to know which oysters are which.
Storing Bags
Ferda Farms puts a strong emphasis on keeping all of their gear clean and tidy. Especially when working on a small float, they find that empty oyster bags are one of the most difficult things to keep organized. In order to keep track of the empty bags, they place them in an aluminum bin that can be left on the float or stored on land. This makes clean-up easier and prevents bags from flying away in the wind.
When it comes to Ferda Farms’ goal of maintain their reputation as a clean and organized oyster growing operation, these bins play an important role. Keeping things organized on the float promotes the idea that oyster farms are clean and respectful waterfront community members to anyone who passes by, and it prevents bags from getting lost and polluting the waters that many people share.
Innovations articles highlight creative devices or methods on aquaculture farms. They are informed by farm visits and interviews with experienced growers. See our About page for more information.