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In this episode of OYSTER-ology, Kevin sits down with David Aparicio, co-founder of The Oyster Bros, one of the pioneering forces behind modern, off-bottom oyster aquaculture in Texas. Raised on shrimp boats that ranged from Brownsville to the Florida Keys, David never imagined oysters would become his future—until Texas legalized oyster mariculture and a brand-new frontier opened in the Gulf.

What follows is a candid, deeply grounded conversation about legacy and reinvention: shrimping as hunting, oyster farming as cultivation; life at sea versus life on the farm; hurricanes, anchors, and hard lessons learned the long way. David shares what it really means to start an industry where none existed before—navigating permitting, skepticism, market education, and the physical realities of farming oysters in warm, wind-driven Gulf waters. This is a story about patience, family, process, and believing in something before the market knows it wants it.

00:00 Introduction to Shrimping and Oyster Farming

00:34 Meet the Oyster Bros

01:07 Transition from Shrimping to Oyster Farming

02:30 Challenges and Learning in Oyster Farming

04:30 Daily Operations and Techniques

06:31 Navigating Regulations and Permits

07:47 Building and Expanding the Farm

13:24 Overcoming Natural Disasters

18:28 Marketing and Consumer Education

27:38 Future Vision and Family Legacy

32:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Links:

The Oyster Bros website: (https://www.theoysterbros.com/)

• Guest: David Aparicio, The Oyster Bros
• Host: Kevin Cox
• Digital Deckhand: Chet Jipty

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In this episode of OYSTER-ology, host Kevin Cox welcomes Beth Walton, Executive Director of Oyster South to dive into the mission and operations of Oyster South, which unites farmers, chefs, scientists, students, and the public in support of the oyster industry. Beth talks about her personal journey from growing up in southeastern Massachusetts to leading the organization. They discuss the unique community-building efforts, including the industry's annual symposium and the Landlocked fundraiser event, and highlight the importance of storytelling and technology in the oyster farming sector. Walton also touches on the challenges faced by southern oyster farmers and the importance of collaboration and education in overcoming them.

Together, Kevin and Beth explore how Oyster South convenes researchers, farmers, regulators, chefs, extension agents, and community members to build a resilient oyster future rooted in collaboration rather than competition. It’s a conversation about oysters as ecosystems, oysters as culture, and oysters as a platform for shared progress.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Beth Walton

00:30 What is Oyster South?

02:56 Beth Walton's Journey with Oysters

05:30 The Birth of Oyster South

07:33 Growth and Impact of Oyster South

08:40 Connecting the Oyster Community

21:53 Challenges and Innovations in Oyster Farming

33:49 Future of Oyster South and Advice for New Farmers

36:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Links:

• Oyster South website: https://www.oystersouth.org
• Oyster South on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@oystersouth1427
• Shellbound video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCufl37pMDw&t=1s
• Kimball House, Decatur GA: https://www.kimball-house.com/
• Sea Grant: https://seagrant.noaa.gov/

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In this engaging episode of OYSTER-ology, my guests, Heather Ketcham and Myron Horzesky, discuss their journey at Ketcham Supply, a key player in the oyster farming industry. Heather shares her transition from biotech to taking over the family business, founded by her father Bob Ketcham, while Myron recounts his long history with the company starting as a teenager. They discuss the innovations and challenges they've faced, including the move from paper to digital records, the creation of bespoke oyster farming equipment, and tackling issues like bird contamination on oyster cages. Our conversation also explores the close-knit relationships they've developed with farmers and the ways in which they collaboratively innovate to improve efficiency and productivity in oyster farming. They emphasize the importance of understanding site-specific needs and starting small to ensure sustainable growth. We discuss innovation, sustainability, regional challenges, and how feedback from growers drives design and refinement. It’s a story about collaboration between factory and farm, and how the unseen hardware of aquaculture shapes the shellfish we taste.

00:00 Introduction to OYSTER-ology

00:35 Meet Heather Ketcham and Myron Horzesky

03:24 Heather's Journey from Biotech to Aquaculture

04:54 Myron's Early Days at Ketcham Supply

06:53 The Evolution of Ketcham Supply

10:53 Craftsmanship and Quality at Ketcham

12:52 Building Relationships with Farmers

17:05 Challenges and Successes in Oyster Farming

20:17 Gender Equality in Oyster Farming

20:34 Advice for Established Farmers

22:23 Innovations in Bird Deterrence

26:02 Challenges in Oyster Farming

31:46 Labor Issues in the Industry

34:49 Storefront and Product Range

37:09 Shoreline Restoration Efforts

38:01 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Links:

• Ketcham Supply Co.
• Heather Ketcham – ECSGA Profile

Guest: Heather Ketcham & Myron Horzesky

Host: Kevin Cox

Digital Deckhand: Chet Jipty

Special thanks to Karen Hudson of VIMS for arranging recording studio space.

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