Paul Wittenstein is the General Manager and Nursery Manager of the Aquaculture Research Corporation [A.R.C.] of Cape Cod, a leader in the shellfish industry through advocacy and restoration.
The winter holiday season is a big oyster-eating one and Fishing Partnership suggests we all consider the oyster in our meal planning. Baked, fried, grilled, stewed, Rockefeller, or just plain on the half-shell, oysters have held a significant seat at the New England table for centuries. Try this recipe for Oyster Melts!
“This is the absolute best time of year to eat shellfish,” says general manager at ARC Hatchery, Paul Wittenstein. “They’re storing up fats and sugars in their bodies in preparation for winter, the coastal waters are getting cold and crispy; all of this lends itself to ridiculously plump, briny, and sweet oysters.”
Wittenstein and his colleagues at the Dennis aquaculture facility know a thing or two about shellfish; each year, the hatchery grows millions of quahogs, surf clams, bay scallops, and oysters for distribution around the world.
“In my mind, the best part of any [holiday] gathering is hanging in the kitchen with people you love, putting a meal together while sipping on some drinks, and eating some good appetizers, so why not some oysters on the half-shell or done up hot to go with it all?”
Many know that in addition to oysters being delicious and nutritious, they play an integral role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem by filter-feeding and thereby removing particles and pollutants, such as excess nitrogen and phosphorus, from the waters in which they live. In addition to improving the water quality, the shells of consumed oysters can also be recycled, which in turn contributes to reef restoration efforts. Because oyster larvae survive by affixing themselves to hard surfaces, like old oyster shells, the spats, as the larvae are then known, help to rebuild the reefs. Not only do the reefs provide a habitat for the oysters, but they also create refuge for other species, such as shrimp, fish, and crabs. By recycling the shells, oyster lovers are also helping to reduce erosion by building natural breakwaters and in turn, protecting coastal marshes.
“Its chilly, delicate gray body slips into a stewpan or under a broiler or alive down a red throat, and it is done. Its life has been thoughtless but no less full of danger, and now that it is over we are perhaps the better for it.”
Discover Author MFK Fisher’s Oyster Recipes
Fishing Partnership has the book Consider the Oyster in our Chatham Commercial Fishing Library. All are welcome to stop by the office to borrow this book as well as other seafood cookbooks on our shelves.
About M.F.K. Fisher
Mary Frances Kennedy Fisher (1908-1992) was a preeminent American food writer. She was also a founder of the Napa Valley Wine Library. She wrote 27 books, including Consider the Oyster. Her first book was published in 1937. Her writings are a collection of food literature, travel and memoir. Fisher believed that eating well was just one of the “arts of life” and explored this in her writing.
“Life is hard, we say. An oyster’s life is worse. She lives motionless, soundless, her own cold ugly shape her only dissipation” Consider the Oyster (1941) – M.F.K. Fisher
Browse Our Commercial Fishing Library
A book on the history, preparation and eating of oysters, first published in the U.S. in 1941.
James Beard Foundation Book Award Winner
Profusely illustrated with photographs, charts and tables, diagrams, and figures.
First published in 1891 and culturally important, this book is a critical scientific review of oyster management in the Chesapeake Bay.
Alex’s favorite book for the way it depicts his fishing life from the late 60’s through the 70’s in Long Island.
Alex learned commercial fishing on the job and learned particular fishing methods and techniques by reading books about gear and vessels..
These old leather-bound books document the fishing methods used in 1880 and predict the finite nature of fishing as evidenced by dwindling landings.
First released in 1994 this book was ahead of its time. The groundbreaking text was the first and only popular work to document the origins and tactics of the Coastal Conservation Association.
Elisabeth Ogilvie’s beloved Tide Trilogy transports readers to the beautiful and rugged Maine coast where families must eke their livelihoods from the tempestuous ocean. In return they are afforded the daily splendor and simple pleasures of island life.
Elizabeth Oglivie’s book series is authentic storytelling about the Bennett fishing family living on Bennett Island (aka Crie Haven). Utterly relatable to fishing families.
Printed in London, The Fisherman’s Library books were an invaluable resource for Alex in high school. From reading these books, he learned net mending, gear set up, different boat set ups and more.
A British inshore fisherman discusses all aspects of lobstering, drawing upon existing scientific knowledge.
A unique, comprehensive survey of the evolution of fishing methods throughout the world.
An indispensable reference book for anyone involved in studying George’s Bank or in making decisions about its use.
Behind a Cape Cod Fish Pier
Adventures of the Schooner Lottie Bennett
A wonderful classic journal of the life of a small boat fisherman in the waters surrounding Cape Cod.
A Practical Treatise Dealing with Those Branches of Motor Boating with Which Every Yachtsman Should Be Familiar.
