Living near the Chesapeake Bay allows us to eat some of the best oysters in the world but for a while some of our waterways were in trouble. After years of rehabilitation, oysters are making a comeback due conservation efforts and good stewards like Chris Ludford of Pleasure House Oysters.
Chris comes from a line of local watermen and he grew up harvesting what our waters have to offer. When switching from crabs to oysters years ago he has made it a point to ensure sustainable practices that allow us to enjoy his beautiful Pleasure House Oysters from the Lynnhaven River. He makes sure he takes only what he needs to allow what he harvests to mature and promote population growth in these waters once world renowned for their delicious and bountiful oysters.
Chris is a proponent of educating the public on how oysters live, how they grow and their contribution to our area. The Merroir Terroir oyster dinners Terrapin holds once a month, that's Chris at one above, allows him talk about what is in our waterways and how we all can be conscience of what it is we're pulling from it.
i can think of no better person to be responsible for harvesting oysters from the Lynnhaven than Chris Ludford. His passion to do things the right way, to make sure he leaves no footprints when caring and harvesting from the waters here is obvious when you spend any amount of time with him. He'll take you out on his boat if you want to learn more or see for yourself how he operates.
Help him and his team out to get their lease renewed. Read his personal plea below and write Commissioner John Bull letting him know you support Chris and responsible oyster farming. Share his message too!
Pleasure House Oysters on Instagram:
We love the Lynnhaven River and everything in it and we work hard to make it a better place but it seems that some folks just don't want oyster farming activities in the waters near their homes. We have an oyster lease application that is being protested by residents that are scared, misinformed and in many cases being inflammatory. We have no ill will toward these folks. We need your help letting the State of Va know we are the best candidate for this lease. If you could take the time to write a letter to;
Commissioner John Bull
Va Marine Resources Commission
2600 Washington Ave
Newport News, Va. 23607
Reference Ludford Application 2014317
Please let them know that our operation takes great care in being a good neighbor on the river and that we should be able to continue our work growing oysters and cleaning the river on the lease we have applied for. Now is the time to act if you can please find the time. Letters carry a lot of weight. Thank you!