Clean Water Monday!

Cape Cod Beer has teamed up with Barnstable Clean Water Coalition to create Clean Water Monday, (previously Clean Water Wednesday) an educational series that will be held at Cape Cod Beer. Join the experts as we deep dive into topics that are affecting not only our water on Cape Cod but globally as well! #CleanWaterMatters

This month’s topic: Cleaning Our Water One Oyster at a Time!

Let’s dive into the world of oysters! Join our speakers on Monday, September 19th to learn the importance of oysters for improving water quality, providing a livelihood, and contributing to the Cape’s blue economy.

Kristen Rathjen will introduce a pilot program to remove nitrogen from impaired estuaries by growing oysters that can be sold commercially. This program, now in its third year, continues to demonstrate positive and productive outcomes from collaboration with the Town of Falmouth and aquaculture contractors. It is an exciting opportunity to simultaneously improve water quality and stimulate the economy, which benefits many stakeholders.

Mark Begley will take us on a journey of oyster farming in Barnstable Harbor. From tiny seed oysters the size of sand grains to ice cold oysters in the harvest boat, follow one oyster farmer’s experiences over decades of growing oysters year-round on Cape Cod. Join Mark for an illustrated talk on the joys and challenges of farming shellfish.

This event is free to attend but RSVP is required!

Speaker Bios:

Kristen Rathjen joined Science Wares, Inc. in 2018 to assist with technical consulting and implementation of pilot projects. She holds a Master of Science in Marine, Estuarine and Environmental Science from University of Maryland and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Southampton College of Long Island University. Kristen has worked with private firms, research institutions and government agencies to evaluate technologies, navigate regulatory pathways, and implement projects designed to improve ecosystems.

Mark Begley has been growing Beach Point Oysters in Barnstable Harbor since 1999. He was born in Boston, where he met his wife, Linda. Mark is a retired engineer with a Master of Science in Engineering from Northeastern University. In the late 80’s, Mark and Linda moved to their favorite place, Cape Cod, where they raised their three children. They operate their shellfish farm under their own company, Beach Point Shellfish, LLC. In addition to farming, Mark is on the Board of Trustees of the Massachusetts Aquaculture Association and the Board of Directors of the East Coast Shellfish Growers Association.