Blackwater Oysters is a fresh, new venture, drawing on our extensive experience of the oyster industry. We are privately owned and managed by William Baker who learned his trade in the late 1970s working for one of the oldest oyster farming families in Essex. Since the early 1980s, William has managed his own oyster business and in addition to his hands-on experience, is a former director of a large oyster organisation. He is well known on the local waterfronts in West Mersea and Tollesbury as an oysterman, businessman and sailor. William is also known for organising traditional working-boat sailing and other waterfront events over the years.

William is involved in the organisation of the West Mersea oyster dredging match and, using his 40 years of experience on the water, provides expert guidance to the judges on oysters and boat-handling for which there are prizes. Competitors must haul oysters under sail using traditional fishing boats and not only is it a competitive event, it is a remarkable and spectacular tradition in which to take part or watch.

The goal here at Blackwater Oysters is to continue to provide premium quality oysters in a sustainable environment as we have been for the past four decades.