Tradition and Innovation — Oyster Aquaculture in the Bay
Peter Heck • January 5, 2021
Oysters have been one of the most prized products of the Chesapeake Bay since time immemorial. Even before the arrival of Europeans, native Americans drew on the tasty shellfish as one of their staple foodstuffs; archaeologists identify their settlements by the mounds of oyster shells they left behind. And the oysterman has long been one of the iconic workers of the Bay waters.
Now, in the 21st Century, the Maryland oyster industry has entered a new phase with the development of aquaculture — raising oysters in underwater “farms” instead of harvesting them in the wild. Among the pioneers of this new way of supplying oysters is Scott Budden of Kent County, whose Orchard Point Oyster Co. farm off Eastern Neck Island has been putting Chester River oysters on diner’s plates since 2016. Common Sense interviewed Budden by phone on Dec. 30.
After attending Kent County High School, Budden graduated from Bucknell University in 2007, with a double major in Economics and International Relations. But after working in corporate jobs in the Washington D.C. area, including a two-year stint as business analyst for The Atlantic magazine, Budden read about new Maryland legislation allowing oyster aquaculture. “It really just hooked me,” he said. He saw it as a way not only to get out of the office, but to help the environment and the economy of his home county.
So, after exploring the subject with other Chesapeake oyster farmers, he applied for a lease to start his own farm in 2012. That began a long journey through the state’s bureaucracy, but with some support of the Kent County commissioners, he completed the process and planted his first crop in 2015. Quitting his main job, he moved in with his parents, local realtors Richard and Vicki Budden of Chestertown, for a while. He spent the initial year working two additional part-time jobs while getting the farm started.
The hard work paid off. The first year, he planted 330,000 oysters on the initial five-acre plot. The next year he doubled his crop, and his output continued to grow. Farm manager Sean Corcoran came on board in 2017, and the following year he joined with two partners, Hal McBee Jr. and Brian Connelly. The company currently has three full-time employees and one part-timer, with another full-time worker for the summer.
Photos: Jay Flemming, Scott Budden
They get their seed stock from private hatcheries in Maryland and Virginia. After the addition of new acreage in the Eastern Bay off Kent Island, Orchard Point Oyster Co. planted five million oysters in the water in 2019. In 2020, they scaled back to 3.5 million because of covid-19, but at the same time began to explore new ways to market the product — including the company’s online “Shuck Shop™,” providing mail-order delivery to oyster-lovers in New York state, Florida, and the west coast. They’ve also started a new brand, “Orchard Point Primes (OPP),” a larger version of the company’s regular oysters (Classics).
Since the pandemic began, direct retail sales have expanded to almost 80 percent of their business. But they still deliver to wholesalers all over the area — Scott often driving the van himself. Other days, he’s out on the water or in the office handling sales and marketing.
The regulatory hurdles for new aquaculture businesses are still formidable, Budden said. “It still takes quite a while to get a lease issued.” He said that other states, such as Virginia, can process applications more efficiently because their governments have dedicated marine divisions whereas Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources has to provide a wider range of services. There are a lot of applications in the queue, and the pandemic has created more delays than usual.
Budden’s and the company’s success is just one sign that oyster aquaculture is thriving. Starting with only five acres underwater, he and his partners now work almost 23 acres in two major tributaries in three counties. “The business has grown quite a bit, both in Maryland and nationally,” Budden said. He estimated there are 150 oyster farms statewide, harvesting from about 6,500 acres. That means more competition, more brands on the market, and more choices for consumers. “It’s a buyer’s market now,” he said. Budden expects prices to remain stable, especially after restaurants reopen in the wake of the pandemic. That will put more money in farmers’ pockets as well as giving the public more opportunity to enjoy oysters. There are even online courses in shucking oysters from a national company. Budden said that learning how to shuck was one of the fun things he had picked up after starting the business — “it’s a great party trick,” he said, but it also gives a real sense of accomplishment when done well.
Oyster lovers can place orders through the website — https://www.orchardpointoysters.com/shop — for delivery locally, for pickup at the Retriever Bar & Decoy Bottle Shop in Chestertown or the farm office in Stevensville, and for cold-shipping by overnight express. They’re available shucked or in the shell, as few as a dozen or in party-size lots. It’s a great way to tickle your taste buds while supporting a locally owned business.
Peter Heck is a Chestertown-based writer and editor, who spent 10 years at the Kent County News and three more with the Chestertown Spy. He is the author of 10 novels and co-author of four plays, a book reviewer for Asimov’s and Kirkus Reviews, and an incorrigible guitarist.
Common Sense for the Eastern Shore
The Republican Congress and President Trump are causing a health care crisis and Democrats are trying to fix it. Passed in July, the GOP budget reconciliation bill is drastically cutting health insurance programs to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. Rep. Andrew P. Harris (R-MD01) voted for the budget reconciliation bill. He voted, knowing that his vote would mean that health care costs would rise for 25,000 of his constituents in Maryland’s First Congressional District:
Efforts by the Trump administration to delay a critical court case over Maryland’s offshore wind project have failed, marking another setback in the president’s campaign to block renewable energy development along the East Coast. On Oct. 2, U.S. District Court Judge Stephanie Gallagher denied a motion filed by the Department of Justice to pause an ongoing lawsuit involving US Wind’s proposed 114-turbine wind farm off Ocean City. The administration had argued that the federal government’s shutdown prevents its attorneys from continuing the case. The judge’s swift rejection ensures that the litigation and progress on one of Maryland’s most significant clean energy projects will continue. Initially filed by Ocean City officials and a small group of residents nearly a year ago, the suit challenges the federal approval of US Wind’s project, which would deliver enough clean electricity to power more than 700,000 homes. Under the Biden administration, the federal government had defended the project in partnership with US Wind. That stance was reversed after Trump took office earlier this year and installed officials hostile to offshore wind. In September, the Trump administration filed a separate motion seeking to vacate federal approval for the Maryland project altogether, a move widely condemned by environmental advocates, labor groups, and business leaders who see offshore wind as a cornerstone of Maryland’s energy and economic future. US Wind responded forcefully to the shutdown motion, warning the court that the administration’s attempts to delay proceedings could allow it to undermine the project’s approval behind the scenes quietly. The company argued that halting the case would create “existential risks” for the future of Maryland’s offshore wind industry. Judge Gallagher agreed that the case should move forward, setting the next status hearing for Oct. 7. The Trump administration’s repeated efforts to obstruct offshore wind development come as Maryland and other states have invested heavily in building the infrastructure, workforce, and port facilities needed to anchor the growing clean energy industry. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has championed the sector as a key driver for well-paying jobs and long-term economic resilience for the Eastern Shore. Supporters of US Wind point out that the project will bring over $1 billion in investment to Maryland, generate thousands of construction and maintenance jobs, and help deliver cleaner, more affordable energy to homes and businesses across the region. “Offshore wind isn’t just about turbines, it’s about jobs, innovation, and independence,” one clean energy advocate said after the ruling. “Every delay costs working Marylanders opportunity, and this decision ensures progress continues.” While the broader lawsuit over the project’s approval is ongoing, the latest ruling represents a clear win for those fighting to keep Maryland’s offshore wind future on track — and a blow to Trump’s attempt to turn back the clock on clean energy.
Maryland has eight congressional districts, and the seats for all but District 01 are filled by Democrats. As we well know, the First District representative is a Republican — Andrew P. Harris. Here’s what Maryland’s congressional district map is now.
With standing room only at Salisbury’s Historic Poplar Hill Mansion, and blending policy, community service, and grassroots energy, Megan Outten launched her campaign for Wicomico County Council District 7 before almost 100 supporters on Oct. 4. The event drew community residents, labor leaders, and local officials, many of whom also helped to pack nearly 300 care kits for Wicomico residents in need. The community service effort doubled as a campaign statement about what Outten calls “choosing connection over convenience.” District 7 is one of Wicomico’s newly drawn single-member districts, with a Democratic advantage of 7.7%. Outten recalled her family’s history of service in Fruitland and Salisbury. “Service isn’t just politics in my family,” she said. “It’s how you belong to a place. It’s how you prove you care.” She pointed to the county’s landfill crisis, water and septic system failures, and school underfunding as examples of leadership that reacts rather than plans. “This is what happens when leaders only react after things break,” she said. “It costs us more. It hurts families. It robs our kids of the future they deserve.” Outten was joined by several local leaders who offered strong endorsements and reflections on her record. AFSCME Local 3 Eastern Shore representative Jack Hughes praised her leadership on the Salisbury City Council, crediting her with helping pass the Eastern Shore’s first municipal labor code, a significant win for city workers and first responders. Councilman Josh Hastings, who represents the district and is running for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 38B, said Outten would be “crucial in carrying forward the progress we’ve made” on clean water, schools, and infrastructure planning. Whitney Snowden-Olanrewaju from Blending Cultures, a non-profit organization that promotes diversity and equality, spoke about Outten’s record of community inclusion and bridge-building across diverse groups. Outten’s campaign is expected to roll out additional endorsements in the coming weeks. In her speech, she outlined a platform focused on fully funding schools, investing in infrastructure before it fails, and ensuring that county government works for everyone. “This campaign is not mine,” she told the crowd. “It’s ours. I am not standing above you. I am standing with you. And together, we will put Wicomico families first.” With enthusiasm, endorsements, and her message that’s focused on service and accountability, Outten’s kickoff reinforced that District 7 is already shaping up to have a strong favorite in 2026.
Community Rallies After Theft of Car Containing Hundreds of Care Kits for Wicomico Residents in Need
An act of inhumanity in Salisbury has sparked an outpouring of compassion. Early on Oct. 5, community organizer Jared Schablein’s car was stolen from his backyard. Inside the vehicle were hundreds of care kits assembled just days earlier during Megan Outten’s Wicomico County Council District 7 campaign kickoff event. Packed by volunteers at Salisbury’s Poplar Hill Mansion, the kits contained feminine hygiene products, socks, and toiletries meant for Wicomico County residents facing housing insecurity. “Those kits were meant for neighbors in need,” said Schablein. “If nothing else, I hope whoever took them returns them. Getting those care kits to the folks who need them matters more to me than anything else.” Schablein and Outten have turned the theft into action, launching a new effort called the “Care Kits Comeback Drive.” The event, scheduled for Oct. 12 at 2pm at Poplar Hill Mansion, aims to replace every lost kit, and more. Volunteers are asked to bring or donate items such as sanitary wipes, socks, toothpaste, period products, and underwear. Donations will support the Wicomico County Library, Help and Outreach Point of Entry, and other local service organizations. In announcing the new drive, Schablein emphasized the deeper meaning behind the effort: “When acts of inhumanity happen, the best response is acts of humanity. We’re showing that Salisbury’s compassion can’t be stolen.” Despite the setback, organizers say community support has been overwhelming. Donations began arriving within hours of the announcement, and several local groups have offered to distribute supplies once the new kits are complete. The theft is still under investigation by the Salisbury Police Department. As one volunteer put it at the last event, “Community isn’t guaranteed, it’s built.” This Sunday, Salisbury will build it again.
What began as a grassroots campaign to preserve a parcel of local land has become one of the most inspiring community movements on the Eastern Shore. Led by residents James and Mikele Dahlen and Holly Campbell, alongside dozens of volunteers, the Save Connelly Mill Park effort reached a significant milestone last week as Maryland Secretary of Natural Resources Josh Kurtz toured the site with local and state officials to explore opportunities for partnership and permanent protection. On Sept. 23, citizens gathered at Connelly Mill Park with a delegation of state and county leaders, including Sen. Mary Beth Carozza, Del. Barry Beauchamp, County Council President John Cannon, Vice President Jeff Merritt, Councilman James Winn, and local municipal representatives from Delmar and Salisbury. The tour marked the strongest signal to date that the state may play an active role in turning the park’s long-promised vision into reality. Advocates for Save Connelly Mill Park presented Kurtz with a booklet outlining the site’s environmental, historical, and economic importance. The presentation highlighted Connelly Mill’s potential to become a keystone of Wicomico’s park system — protecting the Paleochannel aquifer, preserving wildlife habitats, and providing much-needed green space for recreation and community gathering. Located just five miles from Salisbury, the 234-acre property has rolling forest, wetlands, and unique topography that advocates say could one day make it the “Central Park of Wicomico County.” “The natural beauty of Connelly Mill spoke for itself,” said one organizer after the event. “What we have here is not just land, it’s a promise to future generations.” Adding to the momentum, the community’s advocacy materials were presented directly to Maryland Gov. Wes Moore the next day at the Tawes Crab and Clam Bake in Crisfield, where he was briefed on the citizens’ efforts and growing local support. The proposed park would provide walking trails, open space for families, and educational opportunities while safeguarding vital water resources and promoting mental, physical, and social well-being for county residents. For many, the movement to save Connelly Mill has come to represent more than just one park. It’s about accountability, long-term planning, and ensuring public commitments to community spaces are kept. “We’re not out of the woods yet,” the group shared in a recent update. “But the spotlight is on Connelly Mill, and the momentum is growing.” As the state evaluates whether to designate Connelly Mill as a Partnership Park, supporters say they will continue to meet with officials and rally community engagement to ensure this once-forgotten project finally fulfills its promise. If realized, Connelly Mill would not only protect vital natural resources — it would stand as testament to what determined citizens can build when they refuse to give up.
