Entry 11 (5-9-19)

Alex Muromcew
Senior Project
5/9/19

Today we were able to get a private tour of the Island Creek Oyster Farm. The president Skip Bennett, a Proctor Alum, was very kind to show us how he runs the oyster farm. Our tour started with  us looking at the different stages of growth for the oysters and other aquaculture. When spawned, there are millions of tiny oysters contained in water tanks. When looking at them, they appeared to be grains of sand they were so small and numerous. Skip mentioned that as the waters warm up, they will transfer the oysters back into the water. However during the late fall, winter and early spring, the growth will happen in house.

  

Moving on from the oysters, we were shown how Island Creek feeds their aquaculture. In many rooms are many vials and containers full of phytoplankton. These are the food source for all of the aquaculture in the facility during the colder seasons. Skip explained how important this part of the facility is since oysters have a huge appetite.

 

To finish off our day, we spent a few hours in the yard prepping for the bees. We had to trim a lot of foliage, and create pedestals for the bee hives to protect against predators and to make sure the hives wont tip over. 

 

Hours for the Day: 6.5 Hours
Commuting: 2 Hours
Tour at Island Creek: 2.5 Hours
Yard Work: 2 Hours

Total Hours: 54.5 Hours