Awww… Shucks! “OysterMom” Deborah Keller on the Importance of Sustainable Aquaculture

For Deborah Keller of Tallahassee, the world is her oyster. After a 29-year career with The Nature Conservancy, Deborah turned her attention to sustainable shellfish. Nicknamed the OysterMom, she has been farming and selling fresh oysters for nearly a decade.In this interview, the conservationist describes the impact of climate change and hurricanes on oystering. She also explains the far-reaching economic impact of Florida’s oyster industry, recounts the bureaucratic red tape she encountered along the way and describes the serenity and stress she experiences on oyster harvesting day.And of course, we had to ask Deborah about her favorite way to eat oysters.Related episodes: Conscious Cuisine: How to Choose Sustainable Seafood Dive into Florida’s Spiny Lobster Season Conscious Cuisine: Chef Justin Timineri of Fresh From Florida Offers Ideas for Eating What’s in Season Chef Tenney Flynn’s Love Affair with The Deep End of Flavor