OUR STORY
At Solar Oysters, innovation didn’t start with oysters—it started with a bold idea to harness solar energy to protect the Chesapeake Bay. The original goal? Develop floating solar arrays that could cool the water by absorbing excess heat from the sun. But when a ballast was needed to stabilize the platform, an unexpected opportunity emerged: oysters.
A Breakthrough Beneath the Surface
What began as a simple engineering fix quickly revealed something extraordinary. Oysters didn’t just anchor the technology—they amplified its impact. They filtered the water, supported biodiversity, and offered a way to help restore the Bay while producing a sustainable food source.
Partnerships with Purpose
From pilot studies with the University of Maryland to partnerships with Hoopers Island Oyster Company and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, each milestone has confirmed the power of collaboration—and the promise of technology aligned with nature.
Mission in Motion
We’re not just building equipment. We’re building a future—one where coastal communities thrive, ecosystems recover, and sustainable innovation leads the way. Oysters may have started as an afterthought. Today, they’re at the heart of a revolution in aquaculture—and Solar Oysters is leading the charge.
OUR MISSION
Grower Empowerment
+
Environmental Renewal
+
Community Vitality
Engineering/
Technical Advisors
Neil Armstrong
"Scientists study the world
as it is; engineers create
the world that has never been."
Theodore von Karman
Solar Oysters is powered by a team of aquaculturalists, business leaders, scientists,
engineers, and sustainability advocates united by a shared mission:
to protect our waters and revolutionize aquaculture.
MEET THE CREW
Solar Oysters is powered by a team of aquaculturalists, business leaders, scientists, engineers, and sustainability advocates united by a shared mission: to protect our waters and revolutionize aquaculture.
Solar Oysters is powered by a team of aquaculturalists, business leaders, scientists,
engineers, and sustainability advocates united by a shared mission: to protect our waters and revolutionize aquaculture.
Steve Pattison
Business Management
"Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little"
Edmund Burke
Erin O'Toole
Aquaculturist & SOPS Technician
"One way to get the most out of life is to look upon it as an adventure."
William Feather
Matt Fleischer
Business Development
"The first man gets the oyster,
the second man gets the shell."
Andrew Carnegie
Engineering / Technical Advisors
Neil Armstrong
"Scientists study the world as it is; engineers create the world that has never been." Theodore von Karman
Business Management
Steve Pattison
"Nobody Made a Greater Mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little" Edmund Burke
Aquaculturist & SOPS Technician
Erin O'Toole
"One way to get the most out of life
is to look upon it as an adventure."
William Feather
Business Development
Matt Fleischer
"The first man gets the oyster,
the second man gets the shell."
Andrew Carnegie
Permitting & Siting
Bob Summers, PH.D.
"Why, then the world's my oyster,
which I with sword will open."
William Shakespeare
Engineering / Technical Advisors
Neil Armstrong
"Scientists study the world as it is;
engineers create the world that has never been." Theodore von Karman
Neil Armstrong
"Scientists study the world as it is; engineers create the world that has never been." Theodore von Karman
Engineering / Technical Advisors
Solar Oysters is always on the hunt for top talent and forward-thinking partners—united by a mission to build something bigger than all of us.
If you’re an aquaculturalist, engineer, scientist, researcher, educator, or environmental leader with a passion for aquaculture, we’d love to connect.
We’re also seeking collaborations with industry experts and mission-aligned organizations who share our vision for grower empowerment, community vitality, and environmental renewal.
JOIN OUR CREW
JOIN OUR CREW
Solar Oysters is always on the hunt for top talent and forward-thinking partners—
united by a mission to build something bigger than all of us.
If you’re an aquaculturalist, engineer, scientist, researcher, educator, or environmental leader with a passion for aquaculture, we’d love to connect.
We’re also seeking collaborations with industry experts and mission-aligned organizations whoshare our vision for grower empowerment, community vitality, and environmental renewal.
JOIN OUR CREW
Solar Oysters is always on the hunt for top talent and forward-thinking partners—
united by a mission to build something bigger than all of us.
If you’re an aquaculturalist, engineer, scientist, researcher, educator, or environmental leader
with a passion for aquaculture, we’d love to connect.
We’re also seeking collaborations with industry experts and mission-aligned organizations
who share our vision for grower empowerment, community vitality, and environmental renewal.
MEMBERSHIPS
The Chesapeake Oyster Alliance is a coalition of non-profits, community organizations, oyster growers, and others committed to adding 10 billion oysters in the Bay by 2025.
The Nature Conservancy's Shellfish Growers Climate Coalition unites North American shellfish industry members to advocate for climate policy and a low-carbon future to protect shellfish and their waters.
The ECSGA represents over 1,300 shellfish farmers up and down the East Coast and the Gulf, from Maine to Texas and informs policy makers and regulators to protect a way of life.
The World Aquaculture Society was founded in 1969 as the World Mariculture Society. Since then, membership has grown to more than 3,000 members in about 100 countries representing the global aquaculture community.
