Company hopes to revive oyster industry with farm in the Glades. Here are 5 takeaways

Florida’s wild oyster reefs have been devastated by overharvesting, pollution, and climate change, but a small company is working to revive them in a new way. Everglades Oysters is farming oysters deep in South Florida’s mangrove-filled waters, blending environmental restoration with local flavor.

FULL STORY:Deep in the Glades, this farm grows ‘artisanal oysters.’ Can they revive an industry?

Here are the highlights:

• Everglades Oysters raises their shellfish in the tropical waters of the 10,000 Islands Wildlife Refuge, a location with deep indigenous roots and unique nutrient-rich waters that give their oysters special flavor.

• The farm uses a “floating flip-farm” system, where young oysters tumble in baskets, growing quickly in the region’s warm water—and faster than many northern counterparts.

• Warmer waters speed oyster growth but also boost bacteria like vibrio; this means the farm must keep oysters chilled during harvest and educate the public about safety, even making it a key part of their brand.

• Top Miami chefs are now serving these oysters, praising their taste and freshness, while the farm’s network also supports smaller producers and fosters a local, farm-to-table oyster culture.

• Empty shells aren’t wasted—they’re collected, recycled, and used in reef restoration projects, helping to rebuild lost reefs, support sea life, and protect the coast from storms and erosion.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in the Miami Herald newsroom. The full story in the link at top was reported, written and edited entirely by Miami Herald journalists.

This story was originally published October 13, 2025 at 7:00 AM.