Niels Lindquist, co-founder of Sandbar Oyster Co., wants to leave the planet better than he found it, especially now that he has four grandchildren.

That’s why he used his research at the University of North Carolina’s Institute of Marine Sciences in Morehead City to develop Oyster Catcher. He partnered with lifelong commercial shellfish harvester David “Clammerhead” Cessna to bring the product to life.

“In about 2009, my research focus shifted from coral reefs to oyster reefs. That work involved bringing commercial fishermen into the projects. One of them was David Cessna, ‘Clammerhead.’ He was always on the water fishing and oystering and brought a wealth of practical knowledge to the team,” Lindquist said. “Part of that was what was being done to restore oyster populations and reefs and what was being offered. We started thinking what could be a better material. We came up with this idea of using plant cloths and using cloth with cement to create modular units to build the framework of catching oysters.”

He describes the patent-pending Oyster Catcher as a biodegradable hardscape composed of plant-fiber cloths and a mineral-based hardening agent.

A wide range of various shapes lends itself to the creation of living shorelines and oyster reef regeneration. Within the material, oysters can make a home, specifically baby oysters that settle into the nooks and crannies, safe from predators. Oysters begin their life as free-floating larvae, eventually attaching to a solid surface where they will remain for the rest of their life.

He notes oysters love settling on hard substrates and describes Oyster Catcher as putting the studs up with the oysters finishing the house. Oyster reefs are a crucial component of the coastal ecosystem and serve as barriers to storms, help prevent erosion and improve water quality with a single oyster filtering up to 50 gallons of water per day – all goals Lindquist wants to accomplish as well.

“We are building lower reefs that are porous, so when you get waves and currents, it can move sand and sediment easily,” he said. “Our focus with the reefs is oysters and their benefits, but also trapping sediment and making sure what is behind the reef is growing the salt marsh, which is the best protection.”

Marae West, Lindquist’s daughter, joined the team after completing her Ph.D. at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and now serves as executive vice president.

She was fundamental in securing the company’s new manufacturing facility in Leland, which has created an avenue for new partnerships and business ventures, including environmental engineering firms, homeowners and military special projects.

Sandbar Oyster Co. has projects throughout the Carolinas, Virginia, Georgia and coastal cities nationwide, including recently in San Francisco.

“Our core is manufacturing. We have a crew of around five to eight people at our factory manufacturing every day,” said West, whose day-to-day involves overseeing business management, large project development and safety protocols.

Lindquist sees ample opportunity for growth in the future.

“I think if we do well, we can max out our capacity in Leland; then we will be looking for other areas and sites to open up and replicate what we’re doing. We have the potential for substantial workforce development. The way our product is made, it is easily shipped,”said Lindquist, who also holds a Ph.D. “We are scientists becoming entrepreneurs, but it becomes a way of life and thinking. You become driven to accomplish the mission, having a real positive impact and leaving a positive impact.”

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