S2 EP 29: Meta Mesdag and Salty Lady Seafood Co: Cultivating Oysters and Family in Alaska

Send a COMMENT to OYSTER-ology here!This week on OYSTER-ology I sit down with Meta Mesdag, Founder, Owner and Operator of  Salty Lady Seafood Company in Juneau, Alaska. Meta shares her unanticipated journey of becoming an oyster farmer after moving from Portland. A critical aspect of hef family-oriented farm, which started in 2018,  is including her kids and other young people in its daily operations. But the farm's primary goal is not to turn her children into oyster farmers, but instead to help them become well-rounded, successful individuals who are not afraid of hard work. Meta emphasizes the challenges and joys of oyster farming, from handling harmful algae blooms to fostering a sense of belonging and hard work among the young crew members. Despite the physical and logistical hurdles, she highlights the rewarding aspects of seeing oysters grow and fostering a supportive, close-knit team. And through our conversation we see how responsible oyster farming not only fosters the future of the environment, but also the futures of those who do the farming.00:47 Welcome to OYSTER-ology01:10 Starting Salty Lady Seafood06:36 Learning the Ropes of Oyster Farming15:25 Challenges of Oyster Farming in Alaska22:24 The Role of Family and Community30:54 Future Plans and Reflections33:00 Conclusion: Passion and GratitudeLinks:Salty Lady Seafood Company website     (https://www.saltyladyseafood.co/)YouTube video: Meet Your Alaskan Farmer, Meta Mesdag (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPvJhfjVbL0&list=PLuuqkhFcq8idjBvLfvo84uO3qPos2Gxvi&index=2)Sea Grant Article about Meta Mesdag (https://alaskaseagrant.org/2019/05/juneau-oyster-farmer-battles-red-tape-to-grow-family-business/)Please be sure to Like and Follow OYSTER-ology wherever you listen to podcasts, and tell others about it. Every positive mention of it helps more people find the podcast!