About TCS
Our Story
Treasure Coast Shellfish is located just south of the Sebastian Inlet in the pristine waters of the Indian River Lagoon in Sebastian, Florida. We are currently the only farm growing oysters in this special place, and are proud to be a part of the next generation of sustainable aquaculture farmers on the East Coast of Florida.
Our founder, Nicolette Mariano, grew up in the small town of Stuart, Florida. Just a few miles from her home was the Indian River Lagoon estuary. Over the years, Nicolette and many others have observed the tolls taken on this magnificent waterway due to over-harvesting wild shellfish populations, leading to habitat loss, water quality issues, shoreline erosion, and increased damage from natural disasters.
After over a decade of being in the aquaculture industry, Nicolette decided not only did she want to continue to help educate and restore one of North America's most biodiverse estuaries, but wanted to do it in a way that incorporated sustainable local seafood as well.
Our Oysters
Location: Indian River Lagoon in Sebastian, FL
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Salt Range: 21-35ppt
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Species: Crassostrea virginica (Eastern Oyster)
Grow Out Method: Farm-raised off of the sandy river bottom using floating oyster cages.
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Taste Profile: The classic East Coast oyster experience. Starting with a high salinity, these oysters give you that brinier flavor up front with a savory finish. These flavors are attributed to a life spent growing in the estuary waters of the Indian River Lagoon just South of the Sebastian Inlet & adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean.
Treasure Coast Shellfish sells oysters in two different sizes. Gold Doubloons, our biggest oysters range from 3 to 3.5 inches. Our salty Sebastian Silvers range from 2.5 to 2.75 inches. All of our oysters are sustainably grown using the same gear and farming methods.
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Our Mission
​Our mission at Treasure Coast Shellfish is to bring back a dying industry on the East Coast of Florida while being in the forefront of sustainable aquaculture practices.
We currently use an off-bottom farming method that utilizes Floating Oyster Gear. We use cages, bags, and pods to produce the highest quality oysters for the premium half-shell market. This process of “off-bottom” farming is intended to remove demand for wild harvests, leaving wild oyster beds undisturbed, and introducing new spaces for local species to find food-sources and thrive.
Over time, this will bolster the biodiversity of the lagoon while maintaining water quality and a stable shoreline.
