The oyster industry in Zeeland
Oysters are only grown in the Netherlands in two different waters: the Oosterschelde and the Grevelingen, both of which are part of Zeeland. 2100 hectares of these waters are used for oyster cultivation by about 15 different growers, all located in Yerseke.
Two different types of oysters are cultivated in Zeeland: the Pacific oyster and the flat oyster. For the Pacific oyster it takes at least 2.5 years before it is fully grown and ready for consumption. The flat oyster even needs 5 years for that.
The ideal place to grow oysters.
Oysters are developing well on the oyster plots in the Oosterschelde and Grevelingen. In these areas, the temperature, purity and salinity of the water, the soil and the sheltered location make these areas the ideal place for oyster farming. With an area of 370 square kilometers, the Oosterschelde is the largest national park in the Netherlands. The total coastal length is 125 km. Due to the wide variety of marine life, including unique regional species, the park is popular with divers. Other activities include sailing, fishing, cycling and bird watching.
The reproduction of oysters
The oysters spawn in the summer, from May to August. During these months, oyster larvae float through the water. Due to the increasing weight of their shells, the larvae sink to the bottom after a few weeks. The oysters attach to the shells sown by the farmer. During the growing process, the farmer moves the oysters to other places in the water where the natural conditions are optimal. In the final phase, the oysters end up on the best soils with the most nutrient-rich water and a lot of current, which optimizes growth to top quality. The Zeeland oyster is by nature a pointed oyster that stands upright on the bottom. Moving the oysters from lot to lot prevents them from standing upright and makes them oval in shape.