About the Farm
Choice Oysters was established in 2017 as the first woman-owned and third shellfish aquaculture farm in New Hampshire. Founded by Krystin Ward, who holds a bachelor's degree in marine biology from the University of New Hampshire, the farm began as a labor of love focused on supplying fresh, organic, and sustainable oysters to individuals, distributors, and restaurants both locally and out of state. Over the years, Ward has cultivated signature oyster varieties including Salty Girlz and Little Bay Littles, grown in the chilled waters of the Great Bay estuary.
The farm operates as a locally owned and operated business, emphasizing sustainable farming practices that work in harmony with the natural ecosystem. Choice Oysters grows their mollusks without the need for feeding, pesticides, or pest control, allowing the oysters to naturally filter feed on phytoplankton in the clean, cool New Hampshire waters. This natural process gives their oysters a unique flavor and firm texture while contributing to improved water clarity and habitat creation for other estuarine creatures including lobsters and crabs.
Since 2019, particularly following the impact of COVID, Choice Oysters has expanded its mission beyond commercial sales to focus heavily on oyster reef restoration efforts throughout the Great Bay-Piscataqua River system. Working in partnership with organizations like The Nature Conservancy and through Ward's role at UNH, the farm has been instrumental in securing and permitting approximately 70 acres in the bay for restoration sites. From 2020 to 2025, the operation has deployed over 2.7 million farmed oysters for restoration purposes, recycling shells from recreational harvests and local restaurants to create the hard substrate necessary for oyster larvae to settle and thrive.
Choice Oysters was established in 2017 as the first woman-owned and third shellfish aquaculture farm in New Hampshire. Founded by Krystin Ward, who holds a bachelor's degree in marine biology from the University of New Hampshire, the farm began as a labor of love focused on supplying fresh, organic, and sustainable oysters to individuals, distributors, and restaurants both locally and out of state. Over the years, Ward has cultivated signature oyster varieties including Salty Girlz and Little Bay Littles, grown in the chilled waters of the Great Bay estuary.
The farm operates as a locally owned and operated business, emphasizing sustainable farming practices that work in harmony with the natural ecosystem. Choice Oysters grows their mollusks without the need for feeding, pesticides, or pest control, allowing the oysters to naturally filter feed on phytoplankton in the clean, cool New Hampshire waters. This natural process gives their oysters a unique flavor and firm texture while contributing to improved water clarity and habitat creation for other estuarine creatures including lobsters and crabs.
Since 2019, particularly following the impact of COVID, Choice Oysters has expanded its mission beyond commercial sales to focus heavily on oyster reef restoration efforts throughout the Great Bay-Piscataqua River system. Working in partnership with organizations like The Nature Conservancy and through Ward's role at UNH, the farm has been instrumental in securing and permitting approximately 70 acres in the bay for restoration sites. From 2020 to 2025, the operation has deployed over 2.7 million farmed oysters for restoration purposes, recycling shells from recreational harvests and local restaurants to create the hard substrate necessary for oyster larvae to settle and thrive.
Type of Foods Inside
Pantry/Other
- Salty Girlz oysters
- Little Bay Littles oysters
- Goat Island Oyters
Pantry/Other
- Salty Girlz oysters
- Little Bay Littles oysters
- Goat Island Oyters
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