Eel Lake Oyster Farm Ltd.
It is not by coincidence that Nolan D’Eon has succeeded in his quest to farm oysters in the waters of Eel Lake. Three to four hundred years ago native people knew Eel Lake was a summer fishing ground and oysters were harvested from it.
Nolan moved to Ste Anne du Ruisseau more that 25 years ago to raise his family. He built his home on the shores of Eel Lake and as he watched the lake he had a dream to one day make a living out of the bountiful waters. He watched oysters progress over the years and it was some time later that he finally decided to act on his “dream”.
Eel Lake Oyster Farm Ltd has been in operation since 1996 and has become more successful each year. Nolan feels confident that he will be able to produce oysters in Eel Lake for many years to come. Recently, he introduced floating bag technology which has reduced labour costs and this venture has proven phenomenal for growth and appearance.
Eel Lake Oyster Farm Ltd has become a major producer of the Atlantic Oyster commonly known as American or Eastern oysters. In the waters of the oyster farm more than three million oysters can be found. It takes about three years for an oyster to reach market size and due to hard work, determination and a relentless quest for quality, this success story results in a delicious oyster with a taste so intense that after trying one, you will wipe the juice off your chin and look for another!
This venture employs three people full time and three part time positions.
Eel Lake Oyster Farm Ltd. is a member of
Argyle Chamber of Commerce,
Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia (Board member),
Taste of Nova Scotia
Nolan has found markets for his oysters in quality restaurants throughout Canada, that request them by name. Eel Lake Oyster have been written about in such publications as
Chatelaine, The Chronicle Herald, Toronto Globe and Mail, and most recently, On Air Magazine.
In these parts Nolan is known as the “Oysterman” and that suits him just fine. Often you will find him in the midst of a gathering shucking his “Ruisseau Oyster” with a story or two that relates to it.
Visitors are welcome to tour his site and take a trip by boat to see the oyster habitat and its stages of growth. Many visitors have the luxury of tasting the product to which they are encouraged to leave their comments in their guest book.
Eel Lake is not strictly a grow out operation. We have participated in many venues in the last year . To mention a few…………
Entertained and served oysters to the Eastern class aboard VIA RAIL from Halifax to Montreal and return.
Shucked Oysters for an Acadian Supper in Clare and many private functions.
Served and shucked oysters at the Firemen Convention held in Yarmouth N.S.
Paired with Blomidan Winery for the Ice Wine Festival
Shucked and served oysters at Brison/Trudeau Liberal fundraiser
Served oysters at an 10th Anniversary Celebration at Grand Pre Winery
Shucked and served oysters at wedding receptions
Hosted a reception for Tourism Delegates aboard the Princess of Acadian between Saint John and Digby
Participated in the Catch Festival in Halifax
Participated in the Halifax Port of Wines where we shucked and served over 3600 oysters in two days.
Participated in the Expo Acadie 2008
This venture has turned from a labour of love to a viable family business. Nolan has gained the reputation of a fair and honest man with a quality oyster in the Canadian marketplace.
