Seed Sales
Our disease-resistant, natural triploid oysters are sold under contract with the College of William and Mary and originate from broodstock selectively bred at the Virginia Institute for Marine Sciences (VIMS). Reared at our Crocheron and Fishing Creek nurseries, we offer oyster seed sales in a range of sizes and strains to meet the needs of various regions and conditions.
Oysters are bred for shape, size and disease resistance as well as a range of salinity. Commercial aquaculture farmers and oyster gardeners can pick the broodstock they desire to match their operations.
Nurturing care, state-of-the-art technology and the most advanced grow-out gear ensures that our oysters are raised in a healthy, consistent and fast-growing environment.
Size & Availability
Eyed Larvae
Our eyed larvae have a setting rate of 15 to 20% with an average of 18 to 20%. Availability varies between April and November.
Cultchless Seed
Cultchless seed can be purchased in 7 sizes: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 (options based on the screen size on which they retain; actual shell size is larger). DBY-H or LOLA strains sold. Available April through November.
Payment Terms
We require a 25% non-refundable deposit at the time of order. All sales must be Paid in Full before product will be released. Pricing listed below is for orders of 10,000 pieces or more. For quantities less than 10,000, please visit our gardener page. Orders requiring overnight shipping will have shipping costs added to an additional invoice. All shipments will be insured for the value of seed being shipped. HIOC will not be held responsible for the condition of shipments after they leave our possession. We must be notified within 72 hours after receipt of order to assist with count and viability disputes. Orders are filled in the order in which deposits are received. Most orders are filled within 30 days of preferred delivery date. From April through September, we are able to fill some orders immediately depending on quantity and your choice in size and strain. Payments are made by credit card or money order to Hoopers Island Oyster Co.
* If delivery of seed is scheduled, and grower cancels delivery less than 24 hours before delivery, a restocking fee of 10% of the total value of the sale will be charged to the grower.
Orders & Information
For pricing and availability of larvae or seed, please contact Natalie Ruark, Nursery Manager (443) 521-6757 (direct); (410) 397-3664 (office).
Triploid Disease Resistant are natural triploids produced under license from 4Cs Breeding Technologies, Inc.
2022 Larvae & Seed Pricing
| Seed Size / mm | Size / Inch | Price / Each | Price / 1,000 | Price / Million |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Larvae | — | $– | $– | $600 |
| 1 | — | $.008 | $8.00 | $8,000 |
| 2 | — | $.010 | $10.00 | $10,000 |
| 4 | — | $.016 | $16.00 | $16,000 |
| 6 | — | $.022 | $22.00 | $22,000 |
| 8 | — | $.028 | $28.00 | $28,000 |
| 10 | — | $.034 | $34.00 | $34,000 |
| 12 | — | $.040 | $40.00 | $40,000 |
