Our Mission


Nomini Bay Oyster Ranch began operations in 2014, but our love of the Bay and oysters spans over 50 years. Co-owned by Paul Simpson, Todd Neilson and Jess Jones, the mission of Nomini Bay Oyster Ranch is simple…

Protect the Bay by farming oysters.Sell Virginia-grown oysters that are always fresh and taste great.Support our community through partnerships and service.

A portion of all sales help clean the Chesapeake Bay.

Oyster Facts


  • TYPE: Invertebrate
  • GROUP NAME: Colony, Bed, or Reef
  • SCIENTIFIC NAME: Crassostrea Virginica (Eastern Oyster)
  • AVERAGE LIFE SPAN IN CAPTIVITY: Up to 20 years
  • SIZE: 3 in (8 cm) to 14 in (36 cm)
  • A single oyster can filter over 50 gallons of water per day.
  • At one time, the oysters in the Chesapeake were so numerous, they were hazardous to navigation.