Shore Thing Shellfish, LLC is comprised of three members. We are all lifelong residents of Southern Maryland with unique knowledge of our community and local waterways.
|
Brian Russell grew up in St. Mary’s County. Brian’s father (Sheldon) and grandfather (Sheldon’s father) were commercial watermen and it is from them that Brian inherited his love for the water. Brian also holds commercial fishing licenses for Maryland and the Potomac River. Brian earned a Biology degree from St. Mary’s College in 2008. During the summers of College Brian also worked at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Aquaculture Facility in Piney Point at first doing SAV (Submerged Aquatic Vegetation) restoration and then as an Oyster hatchery technician. It was here that Brian discovered his interest and passion for oyster farming. In addition to co-owning and operating the farm Brian has been the chairman of the Southern Maryland Shellfish Growers Association since its creation in 2012.
|
|
|
|
In addition to oyster farming Sheldon Russell, Brian's father, is a commercial waterman in St. Mary’s County and has held his Tidal Fishing License (TFL) for over 40 years. An entire life of working on the water has given Sheldon a unique knowledge and skill set few possess. Along with boating expertise and knowledge of navigating waters, Sheldon is extremely experienced in oyster harvest techniques and all on water operations. He grew up in Piney Point and has longstanding relationships within the waterman community. Sheldon is also member of the Southern Maryland Shellfish Growers Association.
|
|
Mandy Burch was the Oyster Hatchery Operator at Morgan State University Estuarine Research Center in 2011. She has gained much of her experience with oysters while working on the farm. Mandy also worked for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources at Piney Point Aquaculture Center on eelgrass and oyster restoration projects. She was an Environmental Educator for St. Mary’s County Public Schools Elms Beach Environmental Education Center. She also held the title of Wetland Restoration Specialist at Environmental Concern where she co-edited “The Dos and Don’ts of Wetland Construction: Creation, Restoration, and Enhancement” authored by Edgar W. Garbisch. She continues to educate herself and stay current on topics including aquaculture, wild oyster harvest, and the health and hygiene regulations pertaining to oyster farms. Mandy got her degree in Biology from St. Mary’s College of Maryland.
|
|
P.O. Box 74, Tall Timbers, MD 20690 [email protected] 240-538-1336
