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Local oyster farmer introduces Treasure Coast Shellfish and offers partnership with Sustainable Sebastian
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Summary
Nicolette Mariano, founder and aquaculture biologist of Treasure Coast Shellfish, told the Natural Resource Board on Aug. 5 that her oyster farm leases just under seven acres north of Pelican Island and operates roughly 500 floating oyster cages.
Nicolette Mariano, founder, president and aquaculture biologist of Treasure Coast Shellfish, introduced her business to the City of Sebastian Natural Resource Board during public input on Aug. 5 and offered to collaborate with the city’s Sustainable Sebastian initiative.
Mariano said she is the only oyster farmer in Indian River County and the only woman-owned and -operated oyster farm on Florida’s east coast that she is aware of. She described leasing just under seven acres of state public waterway north of Pelican Island and operating about 500 floating oyster cages. "I am your only oyster farmer in Indian River County and the only woman owned and operated oyster farm currently on the entire East Coast of Florida," Mariano told the board.
Mariano said the farm has created three-dimensional habitat that has, in her observation, supported seagrass and attracted juvenile lobsters, blue crabs, snapper and other species. She asked to be involved in Sustainable Sebastian outreach and education and offered farm tours for board members or the public.
Board members thanked Mariano and asked whether she had seen ecological improvement over the six years she has operated the farm. Mariano said the farming year-to-year is challenging because of drought, heat and hurricanes but that she has observed signs of ecological recovery, including seeing a bay scallop two years prior — an observation she described as notable for the Indian River Lagoon.
No formal city action was taken; Mariano’s remarks were delivered during the public-input portion of the meeting and were recorded for the public record. The board invited Mariano to present at a future meeting and to coordinate with staff on possible tours or educational visits.
Clarifying details: Mariano said the farm leases just under seven acres of public waterway and uses just over 500 floating oyster cages; she said she has operated the farm for six years and offered to provide a future presentation and tour.
