About Us

Rhode Island grows the best shellfish on the planet, and we want everyone to get a taste…

The Ocean State Shellfish Cooperative was formed in 2008 to create a robust network of RI oyster farmers working together to supply oysters to the growing appetite for fresh seafood.  In that time we have grown from 6 participating farms to 15.

The sustainable aquaculture movement in Rhode Island began in the late 1980’s with the birth of today’s modern oyster farms. With the addition of a thriving oyster population, local areas that were thought to be “dead” have been rejuvenated into productive ecosystems where other fish and shellfish can once again thrive.

The mission of the Ocean State Shellfish Cooperative is to provide the freshest, highest quality Northeast oysters year-round, to support the preservation of our Rhode Island’s coastal ecosystems, to promote the benefits of sustainable aquaculture, wild fresh-caught seafood, and farm-fresh locally-grown food, as well as to educate the public on the rich history and importance of oyster farming in the Ocean State.