We are a multi-generational Marin County farming family, completely committed to sustainable farming practices and local marketing of our oysters.
We are experts in oyster farming and have sourced some of the most nutrient-dense ocean farming Areas to create the best quality Pacific Oysters possible.
The previous historic oyster farm in Drakes Estero, located in Point Reyes, Marin County, had been part of the local community for nearly 100 years.
The Lunny Family produces certified organic grass-fed beef on the first certified organic pastures in Marin County. The herd began in the 1970’s with all Hereford cows.
By managing this herd as a “closed” herd, the Lunnys have eliminated the potential of importing diseases with purchased cattle from out of the area. The herd today consists mostly of Hereford-Angus crossbred cows.
For most of its commercial history the Estero was farmed by Johnsons Oyster Company. The Johnson’s developed much of the oyster growing techniques over 60 years ago which are still used today. The Lunnys purchased the oyster farm in 2004.
Modern environmentalists and proponents of sustainable agriculture praised Drakes Bay Oyster as a superb example of how people can produce high-quality food in harmony with the environment.
Drakes Bay oysters comprised almost 40% of California’s shellfish production and are marketed exclusively in the Bay Area. Even still, the demand for oyster products far exceeds the state’s production level, and the majority of shellfish products consumed in the state are imported from the Pacific Northwest and the Atlantic. Without Drakes Bay oysters, the Bay Area would have had to import an additional ~38,000 lbs of oysters each week.
The farm produced approximately one third of all oysters grown in California, and employed 30 members of the community.
For decades, the Lunnys also contributed the oyster shells that made possible the restoration of native oysters in San Francisco Bay. The same oyster shells were used to create habitat for the endangered Snowy Plover and Least Tern.
Now we are proud to have used our expertise to source the best ocean location for our current farm where we grow Baja Pacific Oysters using sustainable aquaculture practices.
We continue to build our legacy of contributing to the sustainability of the growing waters, the health of its inhabitants, and the balance of the ecosystem of which we are part of.
The heart and soul of our company is in the hands of the artisan chefs who curate experiences with our oysters. We are proud to be an integral part of their craft.
© 2025 Drake’s Bay Oyster | Branding By Bianca Broos Company
