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Ancient traditions, modern ideals
The traditions of the Seasalter Company in South-east England
go back more than 100 years. Today however the company operates
hatchery and nursery systems at Reculver, Kent, eight miles
East of Whitstable. This is a good defence against natural
or man-made disasters. Our production now covers oyster and
clam seed. (Crassostrea gigas, Ostrea edulis, Mercenaria mercenaria,
Tapes decussata, Tapes semidecussata). and other species of
bivalve mollusc to order.
On the fishing side we operate two grow out sites and manage
an extensive natural cockle fishery using two specially designed
harvesting barges. "Columbine" a 9 metre long aluminium
craft was built in Nantes and is a modified traditional French
'chaland' (barge) built especially for the oyster industry.
'Eco Harvester' was designed and built by a local engineer,
Brian Molloy. The twin hulled vessel, 14m metres long by 5
metres beam, is capable of carrying 10 tonnes of shellfish
harvested with a low impact dredge head which blows the catch
onto a conveyor belt lifting them to the surface with minimal
damage. The 'by-catch' then returns to the seabed without
harm.
Oysters and clams are also farmed on steel trestles or under
nets at Seasalter. For enquiries on bulk sales of oysters,
clams and cockles - contact our Fisheries Director Gary
Wordsworth othniel@othniel.com . tel :+44 1227 386837 or fax:
+44 1227 601466.
The Company sees a good future in assisting others in the
industry to achieve full and economic production potential
by drawing upon the wealth of experience we have to offer.
Our hatchery operations team Darryl Arnold, Antoine Pennec,
and of course John Bayes, who has been in the business 35
years, have a world of experience at their fingertips. Elaine
Kirkaldie, Co-Director runs Admin and accounts. She has over
25 years experience in the inshore fishing industry and has
been with Seasalter for 17 years.
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