ABOUT WARD AQUAFARMS

Ward Aquafarms, LLC was founded in 2012 by Dr. Ward. The farm started as a 2.6 acre lease in Megansett Harbor located in North Falmouth, Massachusetts. In 2015, Ward Aquafarms acquired an additional 7.4 acre lease adjacent to the farm’s 2.6 acre lease, increasing the farm’s total acreage to 10.0 acres. In addition to the 10.0 acres in North Falmouth, Ward Aquafarms now commercially grows oysters and bay scallops in locations in East Falmouth and Orleans, Massachusetts as well.

When Ward Aquafarms was founded in 2012, the farm cultivated only eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica). Although Ward Aquafarms began as a commercial oyster farm, the company has expanded into all sectors of the aquaculture industry and is at the forefront of the future of aquaculture research and development. Ward Aquafarms now commercially farms bay scallops (Argopecten irradians) and sugar kelp (Laminaria saccharina). In addition to the species that the farm aquacultures on a commercial level, Ward Aquafarms also cultivates steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), tautog (Tautoga onitis), and quahogs (Mercenaria mercenaria) for research that aims to increase domestic seafood production in the United States and to diversify the number of species cultivated by current and future aquaculture operations in the United States. Much of the research and development projects conducted by Ward Aquafarms are collaborative efforts with different Universities in the northeastern United States as well as commercial fisherman, shellfish farmers and town, state, and government agencies such as NOAA and the USDA.

Each of Ward Aquafarms’ commercial farm locations have unique site specific environmental parameters. The site specific environmental parameters effect what gear types can be used and what farming strategies can be implemented.

The North Falmouth Farm (Megansett Harbor)

At the Megansett Harbor farm in North Falmouth, bottom gear is used to cultivate eastern oysters and bay scallops. The use of bottom gear at the North Falmouth farm is essential for Megansett Harbor is exposed to the Southwest and experiences high wind and wave activity. Previous surface gear research conducted at the farm resulted in damaged and lost gear.

The East Falmouth Farm (Eel River)

The East Falmouth commerical farm is located near Washburn island on Eel pond. The site’s location on Eel river is protected from high wind and wave activity, allowing for the use of surface gear.

The Orleans Farm (Lonnie’s Pond)

Similarly to the East Falmouth farm, the farm location on Lonnie’s Pond in Orleans also uses surface bags, for the site is well sheltered from wind and wave activity.

Although oysters, bay scallops, and sugar kelp are currently the primary products Ward Aquafarms sells to consumers on a wholesale level, the company also provides oyster, bay scallop and quahog seed to regional aquaculture operations and town agencies for local shellfish propagation programs

Fiddler's Cove Oysters 
Ward Aquafarms, LLC 
51 North Falmouth Highway 
North Falmouth, MA 02556 

Daniel Ward, owner 
Email: dan@wardaquafarms.com
Web: www.wardaquafarms.com