The Cooperative

In 2010, a few oyster growers sat down to discuss the future of oyster farming in Falmouth, MA. With farms in close proximity to each other, they decided it would be better to work together than it would be to compete. They could share growing strategies, buy gear and seed in bulk, share a wholesale facility, increase inventory for sales, and help each other take on the many challenges that come along with oyster farming. The Falmouth Shellfish Cooperative was born.

The Mission of the Falmouth Shellfish Cooperative is to grow and distribute fresh, local, sustainable seafood of the highest quality. Sippewissett Oysters are a premium product raised by member farms of the Cooperative. Cooperative members are also experimenting with the production of Sugar Kelp and Bay Scallops.

Our Oysters

Since we first started, we have grown oysters off the coast of Sippewissett, a well known section of Falmouth along the eastern shore of Buzzards Bay. Many people picture sand dunes when they think of Cape Cod, however the Sippewissett region has a rocky, glacial terrain. The name “Sippewissett” comes from the Wampanoag language and means “little river”, a reference to the Great Sippewissett Marsh that is located along that section of coast. In 2020, we added a site along the shore of Washburn Island, in Falmouth’s Eel River East, which is where most of our oysters are now grown.

What sets Sippewissett Oysters apart? They are grown where the water is always salty and always moving, never stagnant. On some of our sites the oysters are grown in bottom cages 20 to 30 feet below the surface. On others they are grown on rafts in high current areas where the tides of Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay are constantly mixing. On our Eel River site, the oysters are grown in floating bags where they are exposed to the heavy currents coming in from Vineyard Sound. The result is a distinctly clean, briny oyster.

Sippewissetts are known for their sea salt liquor, firm texture, and clean refreshing taste. They are popular with both oyster connoisseurs and first-timers alike. We think you’ll agree that they are some of the highest quality oysters available on the market today. Contact us and try some for yourself - we harvest on demand, year-round!

Our Team