Big Oyster Smackdown: Who has the biggest oyster? Cuttyhunk Shellfish Farms or NY rival

NEW BEDFORD — An oyster smackdown has been triggered.

New Yorkers believe they've discovered the biggest oyster at 8.6 inches in length and 1.9 pounds, however Cuttyhunk Shellfish Farms has found one 8 inches long and over 2 pounds.

"I would say it's the biggest live one I've seen," said Seth Garfield, owner of Cuttyhunk Shellfish Farms Inc.

The search started after Garfield and Charmaine Gahan, the farm's manager, saw an article in the New York Times regarding the Billion Oyster Project, which referenced the biggest oyster, nicknamed "Big," discovered in the harbor.

"That inspired me and Seth to look at the big oysters that we have on Cuttyhunk, and conceive this fun lighthearted idea of stoking a rivalry between New England and New York for the best and biggest oyster," Gahan said.

According to the website, the Billion Oyster Project's goal is restoring oyster reefs to the New York Harbor. Oyster reefs provide habitat for hundreds of species, and can protect the city from storm damage as well as softening the blow of large waves, reducing flooding and preventing erosion along the shorelines.

The ultimate goal is to have a billion oysters in and around the harbor to help clean up the pollution in the water. In September 2022, the organization will be celebrating its 100 millionth oyster.

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"The surplus nitrogen creates an overabundance of phytoplankton. And if there's too much of that, then it degrades the water," Garfield said.

"Oysters have the ability to filter feed and suck up the extra nutrients; phosphates, nitrates and also securing carbon through calcium carbonate in their shells."

On Cuttyhunk Island, Garfield says they don't need their oysters to clean the water as the pond has no source of human intervention. However, locally, oyster reefs have been beneficial in spots such as Fairhaven and Buzzards Bay.

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According to Garfield, the Buzzards Bay Coalition has been implementing oyster reefs because of the overdevelopment of coastal communities, old failed septic systems and nutrient runoff.

"A large oyster is a sign of a healthy ecosystem. The better the ecosystem, the bigger and older the oysters are that live there," Garfield said.

Inviting other farms to join the feud

"Fundamentally, the Big Oyster Smackdown is a fun way for oyster farmers from different regions to engage and draw attention to the industry," added Gahan. "Share conversations with the public about water quality."

Gahan says places such as Island Creek in Duxbury and Fisher's Island are already looking around to see if they have a big oyster contender to share. "We’re looking for other New England farms to join us."

Garfield says there's hundred of oyster farms in New England, New York, New Jersey and Maine that potentially all have sizable oysters.

The Guinness World Records' record for the largest oyster is a pacific oyster discovered in Denmark in 2013, that measured 13.97 inches in length and 4.21 inches in width.

As for Cuttyhunk's big oyster find, Gahan says they are still thinking up nicknames with suggestions such as "Golliwhomper" or "Big 2.0."

These types of oysters continue to feed in the pond when they fall out of cages and are overlooked by farmers. Based on the rings on the shell, the oyster is about 12 to 14 years old.

There are several large oysters in the pond, but this was the biggest one Garfield found. In the summer, he runs a restaurant on Cuttyhunk Island and will serve these oysters as extra large grillers — barbecued with garlic, wine, butter and sauce.

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In New York, Garfield has spoken with the head of the Billion Oyster Project who says he's excited to take on their smackdown.

"It promotes good healthy oysters and keeps oysters in the news," Garfield added. "Gives a greater understanding and appreciation for the role that oysters play in creating healthy water and healthy environments."

Gahan says she can't wait to continue the online trash talk with New York as she believes Massachusetts definitely builds a bigger and better oyster.

"Their dynasty has run dry, and the curse continues," she smack-talked with a laugh.

Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at schitwood@s-t.com. Follow him on twitter: @ChitwoodReports. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Cuttyhunk Shellfish Farms discovers large oyster rival to New York