Libby Davis
Fantastic Transcripts
On March 27, 2024, Camden Hunt and Jessica Bonilla interviewed Libby Davis in Portland, Maine. Libby Davis is the founder and operator of Lady Shuckers, a mobile raw bar and catering business that sources from women-owned aquaculture farms in Maine. Born and raised in Scarborough, Davis holds a degree in biology and served in the Peace Corps in Madagascar before returning to Maine and entering the aquaculture industry through the Maine Oyster Company.
In the interview, Davis describes their entry into aquaculture, their initial disinterest in seafood, and how their experience in Madagascar shaped their understanding of sustainable food systems. They recount their trajectory from working in an oyster bar to founding Lady Shuckers, a business rooted in values of sustainability, education, and inclusivity. Davis explains how Lady Shuckers aims to amplify the stories of underrepresented groups in aquaculture and to support local shellfish farmers by marketing their products through events, shucking classes, and food truck services. Davis discusses the logistics of running a seasonal aquaculture-based business, including licensing, sourcing, food safety practices, and product storage. They share their vision of expanding Lady Shuckers, including a future goal of establishing a queer-friendly oyster art nightclub and producing value-added products. Davis reflects on the impact of climate change and ocean acidification on aquaculture, the importance of oyster shell recycling, and the challenges posed by Vibrio bacteria. The interview highlights Davis’s leadership in promoting diversity and sustainability in Maine’s aquaculture sector, their advocacy for increased aquaculture literacy, and their hope for an inclusive and resilient future for Maine fisheries.
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