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Buck Bay Shellfish by Chris Field/Catering Chef

On a recent voyage around the San Juan Islands, we spent a day talking oysters and clams in Olga.  Located southeast of Rosario on Orcas Island, Olga is home to Buck Bay Shellfish Farm.  Operating into its third generation, the shellfish farm is operated by Mark Sawyer and Toni Hermansen.  Toni was gracious enough to explain how the whole operation works.

They start by seeding the “spat” oysters (bottom photo) in seed bags (photo right) and dropping them in the bay.  After about two and a half  years, they are big enough to be sorted according to size.  Oysters mature in about 2 to 3 years, but only about 70% make it that far.  Upon harvesting, the oysters are washed and hand scrubbed to remove barnacles.  They are again hand sorted and graded.  The oysters are now ready to be sold.

Buck Bay also grows clams.  They start with a large net weighted with a lead rope around the edge.  About 50,000 clam seeds are placed under one 5 by 10 foot net.  it takes about 3 years for a clam to mature.  With a 50% mortality rate, they yield about 20 clams per square foot.

That night we feasted on steamed clams with some Boundary Bay bombers (ie. big bottles of beer), butter, garlic, and Island Thyme Farm strawberries.  If you are ever on the east side of Orcas Island, I recommend a visit to see Toni and Mark at Buck Bay Shellfish Farm.

July 1st, 2009

4 Responses to “Buck Bay Shellfish by Chris Field/Catering Chef”

  1. Padget Dean Says:
    July 6th, 2009 at 10:47 am

    clams, butter, garlic, beer, and strawberries? sounds absolutely fabulous! thanks for the virtual trip!

  2. Bruce Harrison Says:
    August 9th, 2009 at 8:20 pm

    Does Buck Bay osyters have a dock? Would be coming by boat, are there coordinates?

  3. chris field Says:
    August 10th, 2009 at 7:02 pm

    Hi Bruce,

    I do not believe they have a dock, however the town of Olga has a dock that we tied up to.

    Olga is located on the southeast side of eastsound. Sailing in, you will see some buoys off to the right but they are private. Buck Bay is to the right (east) of the town dock. Its about a mile or two walk. I suggest lunch at the Olga cafe and an ice cream cone at the general store.

    cheers,
    Chris

  4. hank hughes Says:
    August 13th, 2009 at 6:48 pm

    nice write-up, chris. fresh oysters, clams and you being a chef … i know that meal was fit for a king, or even a commodore.

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