Natural Resources

In this uniquely trying time, the Martha’s Vineyard Shellfish Group is honored to be helping people nourish their bodies and souls by harvesting shellfish from our waters. The Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust has launched an exciting new project linking fishermen with community food organizations: the Community Seafood Pilot Program buys excess fresh, local seafood from Island fishermen and distributes it to local food groups.

Martha’s Vineyard Shellfish Group

Since 1976 the Martha’s Vineyard Shellfish Group has worked with the island towns to protect and enhance shellfish resources for the well being of the entire island community. We do this by growing millions upon millions if juvenile quahogs, bay scallops and oysters that are planted in our salt ponds for people to fish, every year. In this uniquely trying time, the Martha’s Vineyard Shellfish Group is honored to be helping people nourish their bodies and souls by harvesting shellfish from our waters. To learn more about our other initiatives to improve oyster habitats, restore eelgrass beds and recycle shells from restaurants, visit www.mvshellfishgroup.org or email us at mvshellfishgrouo@gmail.com.

Local Oysters Delivered

Oysters are natural filters that help clean our waters by filtering up to 50 gallons per day. They are also mighty tasty and are sustainably raised in Island waters. Consider supporting local aquaculture and some Edgartown Great Pond neighbors, Julia and Ryan Smith who operate a local business: Signature Oysters.

Call or Email Ryan to arrange a delivery. The most effecient way to place an order is by calling or texting Ryan at 774.563.0950.  Email: Ryan@signatureoysterfarm.com

Signature Oysters will arrange delivery or pickup whichever people prefer. Current prices are:

  • $20 for 25CT
  • $40 for 50CT
  • $70 for 100CT

Martha’s Vineyard Fisherman’s Preservation Trust

The Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust has launched an exciting new project linking fishermen with community food organizations around the island. Our Community Seafood Pilot Program buys excess fresh, local seafood from island fishermen and distributes it to local food groups.

The domestic and foreign markets for fresh and frozen seafood have been significantly disrupted due to COVID-19. Many large fish buyers have shut down or are offering prices too low for fishing businesses to recoup operating expenses and pay crews and other employees. Additionally, with restaurants and wholesale markets closed, many fishermen have no way to offload product. As a result, many commercial fishing boats have been unable to leave the dock. At the same time, widespread unemployment from the lock down orders have left many communities in greater need of food than in a generation. This project aims to help both the fishing businesses and the community food organizations on the island who are assisting people experiencing food insecurity.  

We are very proud to continue to help the island’s commercial fishermen, while providing high quality seafood to the island’s amazing food organizations, including the following:

For more information email mvfishermen@gmail.com or visit: www.mvfishermenspreservationtrust.org