The Farm
Welcome to ShanDaph Oysters, a beacon of tradition and innovation nestled along the pristine shores of Big Island, Nova Scotia. Established in May of 1999, our farm's story traces back over three decades, rooted in the efforts of Philip Docker's grandparents, Everett "Shan" and Daphne, “Daph” Baudoux.
With a deep-seated commitment to revitalizing oyster cultivation, the Baudoux family played a pivotal role in reintroducing oyster growing and harvesting to this coastline. Their dedication laid the groundwork for ShanDaph Oysters, as the native oyster seed they tenderly nurtured in the 1960s and 1970s flourished into the thriving oyster beds we harvest today.
Today, our oysters thrive in growout units suspended in the nutrient-rich waters of our farm. From their humble beginnings at less than a millimeter in size, our oysters undergo a meticulous growth process, maturing over three to five years until they reach a size of over 76 millimeters. Suspended in the rich tidal waters of Big Island, ShanDaph Oysters benefit from optimal growth conditions, ensuring a premium product with every harvest.
But our farm is more than just a producer of premium oysters it's a testament to family, heritage, and a profound respect for the ocean and its treasures. Our name, ShanDaph, is a heartfelt tribute to Philip's grandparents, Everett "Shan" Baudoux and Daphne Baudoux, whose legacy continues to inspire us every day.
As stewards of this land and sea, we are not only committed to producing exceptional seafood but also to advancing sustainable farming practices and innovation in aquaculture. Our farm serves as Nova Scotia's only solar-powered oyster farm, a testament to our dedication to environmental stewardship and resilience in the face of challenges.
ShanDaph Oysters, every shell tells a story of passion, perseverance, and the boundless beauty of the sea. We invite you to join us on this journey as we continue to honor our heritage, race innovation, and cultivate a brighter future for generations to come.
Our Team
At Shandaph Oysters, our passion for the ocean runs deep, and it's the heart of everything we do.
Meet the faces behind our pristine oyster farm, a team driven by a shared commitment to sustainability,
quality, and the magic of cultivating these exquisite gems of the sea.
Philip Docker
Owner
Hana Nelson
Co-Owner
Alex Bouchie
Farm Manager
James Vlassic
Head Shellfish Farm Technician
What people are saying about ShanDaph
"Absolutely the best oysters I've ever tasted! ShanDaph Oysters are a true delight for seafood lovers. Their freshness and flavor are unparalleled"
"ShanDaph Oysters are our go-to choice for any special occasion. The quality is consistently superb, and they make every gathering memorable."
"As a chef, I demand the best ingredients for my dishes. ShanDaph Oysters never disappoint. They're a key element in creating culinary perfection"
FAQ's
If you have any questions contact us through our site.
Simply answered, cultured and naturally occurring oysters feed on the same nutrients, but cultured oysters are often provided with a superior growing environment by means of bottom preparation, racks or floating/suspended growth units, which lends to a fuller oyster.
Yes, but once frozen, they are no longer living and should be eaten within three months. Allow 50 minutes to defrost them and cook them immediately.
No, but during non-‘r’ months, the meat of the oyster is not as full, therefore the quality of the meat is not as good.
Oysters are rich in iron, zinc, vitamins and minerals. A single oyster contains just seven calories and is an excellent source of protein.
ShanDaph Oysters is Philip’s tribute to his family and their long standing ties to Big Island and its oysters. ShanDaph is a combination of Philip’s grandparents’ names. ‘Shan’ derived from the WWII pilot flight name of Everett (Shan) Baudoux and ‘Daph’ from Daphne Baudoux.
ShanDaph Oysters is Philip’s tribute to his family and their long standing ties to Big Island and its oysters. ShanDaph is a combination of Philip’s grandparents’ names. ‘Shan’ derived from the WWII pilot flight name of Everett (Shan) Baudoux and ‘Daph’ from Daphne Baudoux.
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