From a Paddle-less Kayak to Nationwide Tables

N. SEA. Oyster Company was founded in 2017 with a bold mission: to raise craft, sustainable shellfish that embody the true taste of North Carolina while leaving a positive, lasting footprint on our coastal environment.

Our journey began right after graduating from UNCW. With little more than a dream to pioneer a rising local mariculture industry, Conor and Alyssa planted their first crop on a tiny, subleased plot in Masonboro. In those early days, "farm infrastructure" meant wading out into the water and manually towing our gear in a paddle-less kayak, with our two dogs swimming closely behind them.

Oyster farming was in Conor's blood. Growing up fishing on the Chesapeake, he watched the ecological decline firsthand. But his true inspiration came from his uncle, John Finger, the founder of California’s historic Hog Island Oyster Company. When he was just eight years old, right after catching his first wave surfing, he handed him his first oyster and shared a simple truth that stayed with him forever: without farming oysters, we wouldn't have waves to surf or fish to catch. Oysters are the heartbeat of the marine ecosystem.

The Nature vs. Nurture Balance

Driven by that truth, they set out to build a permanent home for their vision. In 2019, they relocated to Topsail, NC, taking over a historic, 100-year-old shellfish lease nestled in pristine, crystal-clear waters.

It was there that they perfected their signature growing method. By blending advanced Australian and French off-bottom longline techniques, they introduced a strict "dry and tumble" schedule. By exposing their oysters to the air at low tide, they simulate natural wave action. This meticulous balance of nature and nurture shapes their premium oysters with deeper cups, thicker shells, and a beautifully dense, flavorful meat.

Today, their farm has grown from that humble half-acre plot to 40 acres of active marine production. They have expanded their crops to include clams and bay scallops, cultivating over two million shellfish this year alone. From supplying just two local eateries in their first season, they now proudly distribute their signature Dukes of Topsail Sound and Divine Pines directly to over 50 premier restaurants and raw bars in major culinary hubs across the nation.

Rooted in Family and Community

While they are proud of their national reach, their hearts remain anchored at home. Their headquarters, "The Oyster Barn" in Surf City, NC, serves as their centralized retail and agritourism hub. It is a space designed to pull back the curtain on coastal agriculture, bridging the gap between the open water and your plate. Whether you are joining them for a weekend "Shuck & Chill" picnic, a multi-course farm-to-table chef dinner, or a youth ecological education class, their goal is to build deep, direct relationships with our community.

N. SEA. Oyster Company is, above all else, a first-generation family farm. Every long, exhausting day on the water is fueled by a passion for the agricultural legacy they are building for future generations, including their children, Finn and Sage. Their farm is their life's work, a vehicle for environmental advocacy, and a blessing that allows them to support their family and care for our community.

They believe that we are always better together. Thank you for being a part of our story, supporting sustainable mariculture, and sharing a seat at our table.