Last summer, I spent the day at the Aquacultural Research Corporation (A.R.C.) near Chapin Beach in Dennis. A.R.C. defines their business as, “playing a vital role in local and regional shellfish communities by providing the highest quality shellfish — from spawn to table — to growers, distributors, chefs and reef-builders across the country.”
During my visit I was able to observe the many steps involved in spawning, growing, nurturing, and then distributing millions of oysters and clams each year.
I toured the facility and interviewed Rick Sawyer, who was then the Sales and Marketing Director. He has since been promoted to President of the company.
When asked for an update, Rick reported, “Even though the winter hasn’t arrived yet, we are very busy preparing for it, and a lot of work is done over the winter. We still harvest quahogs for sale across the country, spend a lot of time preparing schedules for the coming spring and summer, and there is always equipment to build or repair.”
Visit their website, www.archatchery.com to learn more about the research, farming, and distribution work of this nearly 60-year-old Cape Cod company.
Here’s a recap of my interview and tour of their 5000 square foot warehouse in Dennis:
About Becky Fischer: I've worked for WeNeedaVacation since 2003, providing photography, video, and consultation services to vacation rental homeowners. Over the years, I've photographed more than 700 homes across the Cape and Islands. My husband and I moved to Brewster with our three children in 2006. I grew up outside Boston, spent childhood summers on Nantucket, and was married in Orleans. Some of my favorite things about Cape life include walking the CCRT, taking deep breaths at the beach, discovering new coffee shops, and supporting our schools and community events.