Inside the Hatchery

A Campus Designed for Aquaculture & Applied Science

Ferry Cove Oyster Hatchery is designed to support high-quality, year-round shellfish production using advanced aquaculture systems and environmental controls.

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Biosecurity Certified

Regional Shellfish Seed Biosecurity Program certified facility.

Built for Efficiency

Sustainable building design for efficient, responsible operations.

Advanced Water Systems

Precision filtration, monitoring, and water quality control.

Industrial Algae Production

High-density algae cultures produced onsite.

Year-Round Production

Designed for consistent production in every season.

Built for Precision Aquaculture

The hatchery combines modern engineering with shellfish science to support reliable, sustainable production. Carefully controlled systems help maintain water quality, optimize growing conditions, and support every stage of oyster development.

Algae Production

The hatchery uses industrial photobioreactors to produce high-density algae cultures that feed shellfish broodstock, larvae, and seed. These systems provide reliable production while reducing space requirements and operational costs.

Controlled Growing Environments

Salinity and water chemistry play a critical role in shellfish development. Ferry Cove’s brine dosing and pH control systems help maintain stable conditions that support healthy shell formation, larval survival, and production across different regional environments.

Biosecurity & Water Quality

Ferry Cove is fully certified through the Regional Shellfish Seed Biosecurity Program and uses advanced filtration, monitoring, and water quality systems to maintain healthy shellfish production and stable growing conditions.

A Campus Designed for Aquaculture & Research

Located on Maryland's Eastern Shore

The 70-acre Ferry Cove campus includes shoreline, wetlands, farmland, and forest habitat

Near the historic oyster communities of St. Michaels and Tilghman Island, Its location along the Chesapeake Bay provides direct access to the environmental conditions that support shellfish production, monitoring, and research.

70 Arce Campus

Wetlands & Habitat Areas

Shoreline Access

Close to Maritime Community

Our Location

Along the Chesapeake Bay

Located in Sherwood, Maryland, Ferry Cove sits near the historic oyster communities of St. Michaels and Tilghman Island along Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

St. Michaels • 15 min

Tilghman Island • 10 min

Easton • 35 min

Annapolis • 75 min