above: Slipper snail escargot (these are the snails that produce the huge piles of shell found on our local beaches).
In Westport, Hunter Peterson is on a mission to revive a traditional New England pastime: hand-harvesting shellfish. Operating Saugatuck Oyster Company, Peterson offers guided recreational shellfishing tours that provide a unique, hands-on experience in the region’s bountiful waters. With a goal to reintroduce younger generations to this age-old practice, Peterson is not only educating locals but also fostering a deeper connection to the abundant and sustainable seafood available right on Connecticut’s doorstep.
REVIVING A NEW ENGLAND TRADITION
Hand-harvesting shellfish, once a staple of New England’s coastal culture, has slowly faded into the background in recent years. However, Peterson’s tours are helping to change that. His guests embark on a guided journey to harvest a variety of local species, including Quahog clams, Eastern oysters, blue crabs, and even non-native species of seaweed. One of the highlights of his tours is the slipper limpet, a species that has flourished in Connecticut waters in recent years. These shellfish, often overlooked by many, are abundant and delicious, with Peterson recommending them prepared in the style of traditional escargot.
“What’s fascinating is the number of local species people don’t know about,” Peterson explains. “The slipper limpet, for example, has become a staple of my tours because it’s not only abundant but also incredibly delicious when prepared right. It’s part of a larger effort to show how diverse and sustainable our local waters can be.”
Beyond the tours, Peterson is passionate about encouraging the community to rethink their approach to seafood. He emphasizes how much Connecticut’s coastal waters offer in terms of both flavor and sustainability, highlighting that much of the local seafood is underutilized. With so much available in their own backyards, he believes there’s no reason to rely on imported seafood when the state’s waters can provide a wealth of unique and tasty options.
FRESH, LOCAL SEAFOOD AT THE WESTPORT FARMERS MARKET
Saugatuck Oyster Company is also a rotating vendor at the popular Westport Farmers’ Market. Here, Peterson offers fresh, simply prepared seafood sourced directly from Connecticut’s ocean farmers and fishermen. His market presence serves as a way to engage with the community and encourage locals to step out of their seafood comfort zones by trying new and often overlooked varieties of shellfish and fish.
“I want people to expand their palates and start embracing what’s right here in our waters,” Peterson says. “We don’t have to rely on fish that’s been flown in from thousands of miles away when we have this incredible variety of seafood at our fingertips.” Saugatuck Oyster Company is also becoming known for its private oyster shucking services. Whether it’s for a special event or a corporate gathering, Peterson brings his expertise to clients, helping them enjoy fresh oysters sourced from local farms. The company has expanded its offerings by partnering with Black Bear Wines & Spirits to host oyster and wine pairing classes, adding a fun and educational twist to any gathering.
TEACHING THE ART OF SHUCKING
In the coming summer, Peterson is taking his love for shellfishing to the next level with plans to offer oyster shucking classes in collaboration with Wakeman Town Farm. These classes will focus on the art of shucking oysters, giving participants the skills and confidence to shuck their own oysters at home. This is part of Peterson’s broader mission to educate the community about sustainable seafood practices and the joys of enjoying fresh, locally sourced shellfish.
“There’s something so rewarding about learning to shuck an oyster,” Peterson says. “It’s a skill that connects you to the land and the sea. It’s one of the oldest traditions of our coastal culture, and I think more people would appreciate oysters if they learned to handle them themselves.”
A DREAM OF LOCAL OYSTERS
Beyond his tours, farmers market presence, and private events, Peterson is in the process of establishing his own small oyster farm off the coast of Westport. This long-term venture is a natural progression of his commitment to sustainable aquaculture. By growing and harvesting his own oysters, Peterson hopes to provide a truly local product to the Westport community, contributing further to the region’s growing reputation for sustainable seafood practices.
“I’m really excited about the possibility of growing my own oysters here,” Peterson says. “It’s something I’ve been working towards for a long time, and I think it will be a great way to share even more local seafood with my community. It’s also a way to show that sustainable aquaculture practices can thrive here.”
With this dream on the horizon, Peterson is continuing to promote the importance of supporting local fisheries, reducing reliance on imported seafood, and fostering a deeper appreciation for the incredible variety of fresh, sustainable seafood that Connecticut waters provide.
Saugatuck Oyster Company is more than just a business—it’s a movement to reconnect people with the rich culinary heritage of New England’s shellfishing tradition. Whether it’s through hands-on tours, educational classes, or simply enjoying a fresh, local oyster, Peterson is making it easier than ever for Westport residents to enjoy and support the wealth of sustainable seafood found just off their shores.
For more information:
Email: hunter@saugatuckoystercompany.com
Phone: (203) 803-5006
Instagram: @saugatuck_oyster_company