We’re thrilled to be a Partner in Chesapeake 10 Billion Oysters Partnership!

The Chesapeake 10 Billion Oysters Partnership is a multi-year effort designed to spark governmental action, public attention, and funding to accelerate ongoing oyster restoration efforts in the Chesapeake Bay. The ambitious goal of this collaborative effort is to add 10 billion new oysters by 2025 in Virginia and Maryland waters.

Learn more about 10 Billion Oysters Partnership.

WHAT ARE THE KEY COMPONENTS OF THE CHESAPEAKE 10 BILLION OYSTERS PARTNERSHIP?

    Restoring Oysters in Sanctuaries
    Improving Science-Based Fishery Management
    Increasing Oyster Aquaculture

Coverage including video at WTKR.com.

The project is starting up in Maryland and stretches 200 miles down the coastline, affecting our waterways in Virginia Beach.

Chris Ludford, owner of Pleasure House Oysters, showed us his oyster farming operation.

Coverage at Pilotonline.com.

Other Virginia partners in the new effort are Chessie Seafood, the Elizabeth River Project, Pleasure House Oysters and Virginia Wesleyan University.

National partners include Restore America’s Estuaries, Building Conservation Trust and the National Aquarium. Among the scientific advisers are the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science.

Mary Reid Barrow shares our coyote swimming video. Thank you!

Check out her article at Pilotonline.com.

No wonder coyotes are getting around the area so easily!

Our coyote videos made the news !

WAVY TV 10 coverage here.

We ❤ our Lynnhaven River!

Why we work so hard to help keep our beloved river clean by raising oysters. You never know what you might experience on the water.

A minute after he disappeared into the woods a mature bald eagle flew by. Love this place!

Join us on a Tour sometime.

On February 8th at 6:30pm join us for a spectacular evening at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center for the World Premiere of Ocean Frontiers III.

We are co-sponsoring the world premier of this film. Pleasure House Oysters also plays a small role in the film.

This has been a great series so if you get the time watch the first two films. It’s all about managing the future of our oceans.

We are shucking oysters at the event prior to the film viewing.

Please come! Pass the word; it’s FREE!
Great for teachers, students, family and anyone who cares about our oceans.

Thanks,
Chris

Click pic to view Free Registration info.

Click pic to view Free Registration info.

On February 8th at 6:30pm join us for a spectacular evening at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center for the World Premiere of Ocean Frontiers III. It’s a truly unique and hopeful ocean film that explores the intersection of national security, marine commerce and conservation. Savor rare underwater footage of stunning marine life along the coast from Virginia to Maine and hear from a range of people who are leading the way to a sustainable and thriving ocean.

When: Wed. February 8 – Reception 6:30pm · Film 7pm · Panel/Q&A 8pm
Where: Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, 717 General Booth Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Free admission & refreshments
RSVP to save your seat: Eventbrite.com link to register

Participate in the post-film conversation about the new Mid-Atlantic ocean plan and get your questions answered by our panelists, all of whom are featured in the film:

Laura McKay – Program Manager, Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program
Joe Atangan – Physical Scientist, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, U.S. Navy
Chris Scraba – Deputy Chief, Waterways Management, U.S. Coast Guard
Matt Gove – Mid-Atlantic Policy Manager, Surfrider Foundation
Capt. Chris Ludford – Owner, Pleasure House Oysters
Mark Swingle – Director of Research & Conservation, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center (moderator)

This event is hosted by the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Virginia Coastal Zone Management, Virginia Sea Grant, Old Dominion University, Virginia Beach Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, Virginia Marine Trades Association, The Nature Conservancy, Virginia Port Authority, Pleasure House Oysters, Virginia Maritime Association, Virginia Conservation Network, North American Marine Environment Protection Association, Elizabeth River Project, Lynnhaven River Now, American Planning Association – Virginia Chapter, Virginia Wesleyan College, Sierra Club Virginia Chapter, Wild Oceans and Green Fire Productions.

Ocean Frontiers III trailer: http://ocean-frontiers.org/of3-trailer

Note: People with American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification can receive a maintenance credit for this event. Log your credit here:https://www.planning.org/events/eventsingle/9118463

Event contact: Eva Barnett, films@greenfireproductions.org

“There is really nothing like being able to taste the area in an oyster!”

AltDaily.com Highly Recommended: Shiptown on North Colley November 29th 2016

Our first course was a sampler of oysters on the half shell. We were provided with a taste of each of the four varieties they offered, with the Pleasure House oysters being my favorite.

shiptown-oysters

The décor was clean and simple; steel oyster bushels hung from the ceiling and the vintage photographs on the wall were all collected from local oyster farms. The lighting was dim and romantic, and despite every seat being full it was not too loud.

The menu comprises of dishes created with ingredients obtained by local oysterman, fisherman…

Thank you for the kind words!

We’re very happy to be part of Shiptown.

Behind the beach life: the perfect metaphor for eating oysters

Something that imprints on your memory

Everyone is cherishing the moment.

We love working with the Visit Virginia Beach team showing off how great our Lynnhaven River is!

View the video and another photo at The Daily Life, Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau’s official Blog.

Sad day for Virginians and specifically the locals in and around Virginia Beach. We have been struggling with how and when to post this event.

View this post on Instagram

Sad day for Virginians and specifically the locals in and around Virginia Beach. We have been struggling with how and when to post this event. Our goal with Instagram has been to inform and entertain not on a political level but recent events have forced our hand. A small, wealthy and powerful group of waterfront residents are trying to push oyster aquaculture out of the Lynnhaven River. Yes we have pointed out the great things oysters do to enhance habitat, clean water and attract fish. They simply do not care. Here I am being given a written warning for my oyster gear being "out of compliance". The gear we use was designed and approved by the state. In fact much of it was given to us in the form of a grant. What the latest "warnings" amounts to is harassment at the behest of the homeowners. The MPO serving me was following orders & we have no ill will towards him or them. You the public own the waterways and the bottom under the water. In the coming weeks we will need your help. For now feel free to call Commissioner John Bull at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, State Reps Bill Desteph and Jason Miyares to voice your support for local food, farmers and speak about your ownership of the waters. #LynnhavenRiver #oysters #aquaculture #seafood #FarmToTable #SeaToTable #FamilyFarm #OysterLove #RiverLove #CommercialFishing #SupportItOrImportIt #OysterLife #FarmLife #BuyFreshBuyLocalHR #FreshFood #VBBaylife #VisitVaBeach #VaOysterTrail #LoveLE #MarinePatrolJustFollowingOrders

A post shared by On Twitter: @LynnhavenOyster (@pleasurehouseoysters) on

Three Comments we’ve received in support from Aquaculture lovers who understand the importance of a vibrant, vital Aquaculture business in the Commonwealth’s waters.

You’re so very welcome! Happy to educate and assist where I can. Education is the key. I hate seeing you go through this. You’ve done so much and worked so many events to help educate residents on the importance of aquaculture and bringing the oysters back to the Lynnhaven River.

If there is anything I can do to advocate and help you with the good you are doing for the Lynnhaven River and your aquaculture operation please let me know.

No homeowner “owns” the water! It’s there for all of us to enjoy. One would think that a clean waterway would benefit those homeowners and their property values.

If you follow us on Instagram, you already know this is by far the most viewed and Commented Instagram we’ve ever had.

After this Instagram post we were contacted, so far, by local media.

Click to view WTKR coverage

Click to view WTKR coverage

View WAVY’s coverage.

Attend the Workgroup mentioned in the news coverage.

    The Lynnhaven River Oyster Work Group will meet on:

    July 29, 2016 at the Virginia Beach Tidewater Community College campus in the Student Center, Room K-304, from 9 AM until approximately 2:00 PM.

    The Student Center is located at the campus at 1700 College Crescent, Virginia Beach, VA 23453. Parking for this meeting will be available behind the Virginia Beach Building (G).

    Get directions at Google Maps here.

We hope you can attend.

Oyster farmers, their families and workers throughout the Lynnhaven and the Commonwealth have been receiving support by phone call, email, social media and in face to face encounters.

It means a lot to us and we appreciate your continued support.

We will share more news about this serious threat to Lynnhaven’s Aquaculture business and how you can help.

We rescued an entangled Osprey on the river this morning. Video.

We thought there was something wrong from yards away as Osprey very, very rarely sit on a dock.

Captain Ludford on Osprey rescue

Captain Ludford on Osprey rescue

Check video at Periscope TV to see our rescue. We love our river!

Join us sometime.
You never know what you’ll experience!

Start here to learn more about our tours.

The Making Of An Ostreaphile at Epicure & Culture

Pleasure House Oysters: The Making Of An Ostreaphile Epicure & Culture – Food, Wine & Culture for the Ethical Traveler.

I’d watched them shuck open some unsuspecting barnacle-laden shell, tip it up, and let a pulpy, slimy mass of flesh slide down their throat.
No thanks, I’ll pass.
Until I met the Lynnhaven oyster. Now all bets are off.

“Our theory is based on a three-legged stool of conservations, restoration, and aqua culture,” said Chris. When asked to define aqua theory, he said it’s when you get to eat the bounty, while the other two legs of the stool get built back up. It occurred to me that this is a proverbial win/win/win scenario.

THE LEGENDARY LYNNHAVEN OYSTER.

THE LEGENDARY LYNNHAVEN OYSTER.

GRILLED OYSTERS ANYONE?

GRILLED OYSTERS ANYONE?

We encourage you to view Patti Morrow’s article which includes some great photos of our trip.

Have you had grilled fresh oysters IN the Lynnhaven?

Join us on a Tour. Start here to learn more.

“Or if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, head to Pleasure House Oysters on the Lynnhaven for the Chef’s Table Tour.”

5 Reasons to Hit Virginia’s New Oyster Trail This Spring Daily Shot Garden & Gun Blog February 2016.

We’re honored to be mentioned again in Garden & Gun.

You’ll pull on waders and head out onto the river with Captain Chris Ludford for a catered meal at a pop-up table in the shallows with oysters plucked from the water beneath you. It’s BYOB, though; so don’t forget to pack the wine.

Photo credit: Bret & Mary from Green Global Travel

Photo credit: Bret & Mary from Green Global Travel