Krista Tripp of Aphrodite Oysters
Hailing from South Thomaston, lobsterman Krista Tripp saw an opportunity to enhance her business by venturing into oyster farming in 2018. Seeking guidance and support, Krista partnered with the Island Institute to embark on her aquaculture journey and realize her dream of powering the business with clean energy.
- Diversified her lobstering business by venturing into oyster farming with support from the Island Institute’s aquaculture business development program, where she gained essential skills and industry connections.
- Secured funding to install a solar array for her onshore facility drastically reducing the energy costs of her business.
“Having an oyster business powered by clean energy has been a dream of mine. Island Institute was with me every step of the way and gave me the tools, knowledge and resources I needed to make it happen.” – Krista Tripp, Aphrodite Oysters
In 2018, South Thomaston lobsterwoman, Krista Tripp decided to bolster her business by diversifying into farming oysters. Krista turned to Island Institute to help get started in aquaculture. She enrolled in our aquaculture business development program and learned the core elements of the trade by attending training courses, networking with industry leaders, and studying the ins-and-outs of shellfish farming. Today, Krista’s business, Aphrodite Oysters employs several full-time employees, and her oysters are found on the menus of oyster bars all around the state of Maine.
The Institute’s support for Aphrodite Oysters endures. This year, Island Institute awarded Krista a grant to help fund a solar array for her onshore facility. Following the grant, our staff helped her acquire additional government funding for the project—drastically reducing the direct cost to her business. Now Krista can count on sustainable and affordable energy for her operations: one less worry for her business, one more step towards decarbonizing Maine’s marine economy—win-win!
Island Institute empowers entrepreneurs like Krista through training, financial aid, and technical assistance, driving smart innovations in Maine’s marine economy.
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