1.  Cages with spat are delivered to or picked up by growers.

Oyster delivery via boat.

2.  Cages are installed on the grower’s pier.  The line can be tied to a piling, plank, or cleat.  The cage must be low enough in the water column to be underwater during extreme low winter tides in order to keep the oysters from freezing in the frigid air.

 

3.  Growers maintain the oysters for the first year of their life.  Heavy algae growth on the cage wire can restrict water flow needed by the oysters, and silt on the shells can smother the young spat.  Cleaning the cages every two weeks is suggested by simply pulling the cages up and down in the water a few times, like dunking a tea bag, or scrubbing them with a brush.

4.  At the end of the 9 to 12 month growing period, the cages will be removed and the oysters will be placed on a reef sanctuary in the tributary.  At that time, growers will be given the opportunity to obtain new stock and continue to be a part of the program.