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This week on OYSTER-ology I sit down with Meta Mesdag, Founder, Owner and Operator of Salty Lady Seafood Company in Juneau, Alaska. Meta shares her unanticipated journey of becoming an oyster farmer after moving from Portland. A critical aspect of hef family-oriented farm, which started in 2018, is including her kids and other young people in its daily operations. But the farm's primary goal is not to turn her children into oyster farmers, but instead to help them become well-rounded, successful individuals who are not afraid of hard work. Meta emphasizes the challenges and joys of oyster farming, from handling harmful algae blooms to fostering a sense of belonging and hard work among the young crew members. Despite the physical and logistical hurdles, she highlights the rewarding aspects of seeing oysters grow and fostering a supportive, close-knit team. And through our conversation we see how responsible oyster farming not only fosters the future of the environment, but also the futures of those who do the farming.
00:47 Welcome to OYSTER-ology
01:10 Starting Salty Lady Seafood
06:36 Learning the Ropes of Oyster Farming
15:25 Challenges of Oyster Farming in Alaska
22:24 The Role of Family and Community
30:54 Future Plans and Reflections
33:00 Conclusion: Passion and Gratitude
Links:
Salty Lady Seafood Company website (https://www.saltyladyseafood.co/)
YouTube video: Meet Your Alaskan Farmer, Meta Mesdag (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPvJhfjVbL0&list=PLuuqkhFcq8idjBvLfvo84uO3qPos2Gxvi&index=2)
Sea Grant Article about Meta Mesdag (https://alaskaseagrant.org/2019/05/juneau-oyster-farmer-battles-red-tape-to-grow-family-business/)
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