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LEWISTON — In keeping with its theme of healthy sustainable food from local sources, senior college USM/LA will host Dan Devereaux, one of the founders of Mere Point Oyster Co., at its Friday, March 13 Food For Thought talk.
The presentation, which is free and open to the public, will be held at noon in Room 170 at the USM/LA campus, 51 Westminster St. Doors open at 11:30. Bring a bag lunch and beverage. Devereaux runs the business with Doug Niven. As they say on their website, “Doug loved to fish. Dan loved to farm. They both loved living and working along the coast of Brunswick, Maine. They started talking one day while watching their kids on the Brunswick playing fields and the seeds were planted – oyster seeds, that is.” There used to be so many oysters along the Maine coast that you can still find heaps of shells left by the Wabanaki people. But, in the 1970s, oyster populations plummeted as a result of pollution and environmental change. Farming oysters offered an opportunity to restore the native population and enhance near shore marine ecosystems. In 2015, Devereaux and Niven pofficially formed Mere Point Oyster Company, chosing to site their farms where they live – in the clear, deep waters of Maquoit and Mere Point Bays. These bays are some of Maine’s most ecologically significant areas because of the rich marine life they support. Oysters were the perfect species to work with as they provide amazing environmental benefits to the marine ecosystem. Devereaix will tell their story and help those attending understand not only about oysters, but also about the fragile marine environment and efforts to preserve it. Food for thought is held the second Friday of the month at USM/LA Senior College September though May.
PHOTO: courtesy of Mere Point Oyster Co.
