Pemaquid Oyster Company
Farming the Damariscotta River since 1986
(207)446-8923
About us…
The Pemaquid Oyster Company was established in 1986 to cultivate the native Eastern, or American oyster (Crassostrea Virginica) for the half-shell market in mid-coast Maine’s Damariscotta River. Pemaquid oysters were one of the very first Maine oysters on the market and helped to build the Damariscotta River into one of the country’s
premier oyster-growing regions, now often referred to as the “Napa Valley of oysters.” We work with other local growers, hatcheries, wholesalers and restaurants to ensure premium-quality, sustainably-
grown oysters are available to markets and restaurants throughout Maine and the Northeast. The Pemaquid Oyster Company holds both a state and federal trademark on the name “Pemaquid” as used in oyster commerce.
Our farming practices…
Oyster Cultivation
We purchase 1-2 mm oyster seed in the late spring from a local shellfish hatchery for deployment in our river-based, upweller/nursery system. The oysters feed on the nutrient-rich waters of the Damariscotta estuary, 12 miles from the river’s mouth. When they’ve grown to a shell size of 9mm (fingernail size), they’re graded and distributed into floating, nursery bags on the farm’s leased site. Oysters are grown to a 50 mm (silver dollar)
planting size, and bottom- planted on the farm’s 18 acre bottom lease.
Harvesting
Bottom-grown oysters are slower growing than surface grown oysters due to the slightly colder water temperature, which ensures deep-cupped and
hard-shelled oysters. Our oysters are harvested with a chain-sweep drag aboard our 32 foot Maine-built, lobster-style boat, hand-graded and relayed
to our wet storage rafts located 8 miles down river from the farm site. Here the oysters are held in cages that allow for maximum seawater flow and purge their upriver water resulting in a more ocean-like, cleaner, saltier flavor.
Environmental Stewardship
Our farm relies on the clean, nutrient-rich waters of the Damariscotta River to produce what many consider to be a premium seafood product while we work hard to preserve the water quality and natural beauty of one of
Maine’s most scenic tidal estuaries. Shellfish aquaculture is one of the most sustainable farming practices available for the production of healthy, high-protein, vitamin and mineral-rich foods. Each year we join forces with other growers, environmental groups and community members to retrieve renegade gear and clean the shores of debris left behind by other users.
In the press…
"... harvested from the fabled Damariscotta River, Pemaquids have a wonderfully clean, balanced flavor that is practically emblematic of the Maine oyster."
- Maine's Latest Seafood Star, Saveur Magazine, July 2014
-see also Video - Maine's Pemaquid Oyster Company - the Cold Waters of Maine Cultivate Extraordinary Oysters
"Pemaquid Oysters are cultivated in the frigid, deep waters of the Damariscotta River, Maine, at a point where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean. Pemaquids have deep cups set in rock-hard shells. They have plump, very firm meats which are mildly sweet with a clean, lemony zest flavor and solid brininess."
(Chef's Resources, Culinary Knowledge for Professional Chefs and Culinarians)
"Pemaquid oysters are a cherished gem of the New England coast, renowned for their exceptional taste and distinct salty flavor. The Damariscotta River provides farmers with the perfect conditions for cultivation. The cold nutrient-rich currents and ideal salinity levels create optimal growth conditions. Named after the picturesque Pemaquid Peninsula that juts into the Gulf of Maine, these oysters have earned a reputation for their exceptional quality and "unique flavor" profile..."
("oyster encyclopedia")
The team…
Carter Newell
owner, president/harvest
Carter holds a doctorate in Oceanography from the University of New Brunswick. In addition to the Pemaquid Oyster Company, Carter also owns and manages our sister aquaculture farm, Pemaquid Mussel Farms, where he has innovated submersible mussel rafts. Carter also plays the fiddle with the Oystermen, a traditional music trio.
Chris Davis
owner/treasurer/research & development
Christopher V. Davis holds a doctorate in shellfish genetics from the University of Maine. He also directed the Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center for over 20 years and is now their “Innovator in Residence.” Chris is an avid sailor and sails a Wianno Senior, the same one design famously raced by JFK.
Smokey McKeen
owner/vice president/sales
Smokey attended Colby College with Carter and Chris and later studied folklore at the graduate level at the University of Maine. He has served on the Maine Department of Marine Resources Shellfish Advisory Committee as well as having been appointed by the Governor to serve two terms on the Maine Arts Commission. Smokey plays the button accordion, guitar and banjo with the Oystermen.
Dylan Parrish
farm manager
Dylan came onboard with the Pemaquid Oyster Company 5 years ago and now oversees the farm’s nursery operations. Originally from Florida, Dylan is an experienced mountain biker and bicycle repairman with a wedding just around the corner.
Jake Robison
right hand man
Jake is our go to man on the farm, working on the nursery, harvest crew, sales crew and maintaining equipment, and troubleshooting. He’s been working
on the Damariscotta River for nearly 10 years and is an expectant father.
Charlie Walsh
jack of all trades
Charlie has managed to work in many sectors of Maine’s growing aquaculture industry: managing a shellfish hatchery at the Darling Marine Center, working on a kelp farm with Maine Sea Farms, building American Unagi’s eel processing and smokehouse operations in addition to growing oysters with the Pemaquid Oyster Company. He is also a founder of Seascale Maine, pioneering a lobsterman-friendly scallop-growing “pot.”
Do you have a retail location we can buy direct?
We do not currently have a retail location, however, our oysters can be found in many seafood markets from Portland to Rockport.
Will you ship oysters to our home?
We do not ship our oysters to individuals. We recommend Island Creek in Duxbury MA or Glidden Point in Edgecomb ME, both are set up for shipping.
Do you give tours of your farm?
We do not do private tours of our farm to the general public. Wholesale buyers & Chefs can contact us to learn more and to discuss partnering.
Others can contact Damariscotta River Cruises for Oyster Tours of the River.
Is the Pemaquid Oyster Festival sceduled for 2026?
Yes, the Pemaquid Oyster Festival is scheduled for Sunday, September 27, 2026 at Mine Oyster in Boothbay Harbor.