Little Skookum Shellfish Growers, Inc.

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HISTORY

Located on the shores of Little Skookum Inlet at the south end of Puget Sound, Little Skookum Shellfish Growers has a rich history of oyster and clam farming in Washington State. In 1849, Jeremiah Lynch emigrated from his native Ireland to Washington State and soon discovered the beautiful oyster beds near his new home. Sharing his bounty with his family, friends, and neighbors this practice soon became the family business, Little Skookum Shellfish Growers. Today, the company is owned and operated by Lisa and Brett Bishop who are the fifth generation of Jeremiah Lynch’s family to carry on a legacy that began over 125 years ago. 

THE PROCESS

Little Skookum plants approximately 60 million oyster and clam seed every spring. The juvenile clams are grown in a floating upwelling system and after about three months are relocated to the beach to continue growing until they reach maturity. When the shellfish reach harvest size, the Little Skookum crew arrives at low tide to begin harvesting the clams and oysters the old fashioned way: using buckets, dredges, and digging forks.

HARVEST

After purging in a sink float through a tide cycle, the shellfish are transferred to Little Skookum’s certified on-site production facility. The proximity of the site allows the crew to prepare the oysters and clams for shipment within 30 minutes of being pulled from the water. Each shellfish is personally inspected by at least three experts along the line to ensure the quality and standard synonymous with Little Skookum Shellfish Growers.

Distributors

Marinelli Shellfish - Washington, USA