The cost of oyster seed varies based on several factors, including seed size, oyster type (diploid or triploid), and order quantity. Here's an overview of current pricing from various suppliers:
The cost of oyster seed varies based on several factors, including seed size, oyster type (diploid or triploid), and order quantity. Here's an overview of current pricing from various suppliers:
Oyster Seed Pricing by Supplier
McGee’s Shellfish (New Jersey)
Triploid DEBY Line (C. virginica):
2 mm: $15.00 per 1,000 (minimum order of 500,000)
4 mm: $21.00 per 1,000 (minimum order of 500,000)
6 mm: $25.00 per 1,000
9 mm: $35.00 per 1,000
12 mm: $40.00 per 1,000
18 mm: $50.00 per 1,000
Bulk Discount (for orders of 500,000+): 9 mm at $33.00 and 12 mm at $38.00 per 1,000 seed
Minimum Order: $500
Deposit Required: 25% upon order placement
Shipping: Additional charge
Guarantee: Viability upon departure from nursery; no responsibility for growth and survival thereafter
Triploid Licensing: Under the College of William and Mary at Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS)
Order Fulfillment: First come, first serve; early orders recommended
Order Form: Available for download and submission via email or mail
Payment: Checks payable to “McGee’s Shellfish”
Website: McGee’s Shellfish Seed Price List
Horn Point Oyster Hatchery (Maryland)
Cultchless Seed Prices:
2 mm:
Diploid Disease Resistant: $11.75 per 1,000
Diploid Wild: $9.50 per 1,000
4 mm:
Diploid Disease Resistant: $15.00 per 1,000
Diploid Wild: $12.00 per 1,000
6 mm:
Diploid Disease Resistant: $20.50 per 1,000
Diploid Wild: $15.50 per 1,000
Mandatory Royalty Fees: Included in prices for disease-resistant and triploid oysters
Order Fulfillment: Orders must be picked up within 7 business days of notification; otherwise, the order is canceled, and the deposit is forfeited
Payment: Full payment due before or at the time of pickup; certified check, money order, or credit card accepted
Environmental Consideration: Customers encouraged to provide their own containers for seed pickup
Bay Watch Oyster Seeds (Virginia)
Triploid 1/4" Seed:
1,000+: $35.00 per 1,000
25,000+: $27.00 per 1,000
50,000+: $22.00 per 1,000
100,000+: $18.00 per 1,000
3/8" Seed: Available; call for pricing
Shipping: Seed can be mailed through USPS priority mail; not responsible for lost packages
Hoopers Island Oyster Co. (Maryland)
Seed Sizes and Prices:
1 mm: $8.00 per 1,000
2 mm: $10.00 per 1,000
4 mm: $16.00 per 1,000
6 mm: $22.00 per 1,000
8 mm: $28.00 per 1,000
10 mm: $34.00 per 1,000
12 mm: $40.00 per 1,000
Deposit Required: 25% refundable deposit upon order placement
Payment: Full payment required before shipping or release
Shipping: Costs added for overnight shipping
Taylor Shellfish Farms (Washington)
Pacific Oyster Seed (Sold by Volume):
Diploid: $70.00 per bag
Triploid: $75.00 per bag
Bag Contents: Approximately 300–400 oysters per bag
Availability: Varies; announcements made the Monday before seed goes on sale
Order Process: Orders placed online; pickup arrangements required
Key Considerations
Seed Size: Smaller seeds (e.g., 2 mm) are less expensive but require more time and care to grow to market size.
Oyster Type: Triploid oysters are often preferred for their faster growth and sterility, which can lead to better meat quality.
Order Quantity: Bulk purchases often come with discounted rates.
Shipping and Handling: Additional charges may apply; some suppliers require pickup.
Deposits and Payments: Many suppliers require a deposit upon order placement and full payment before delivery or pickup.