Small oyster farm on a licensed bed

Restaurants, fishmongers, delis, local shops and sometimes direct customers, usually via an approved dispatch centre.

You sell by the oyster or by the box at a grower's price. There is no income until the first batch reaches market size, which typically takes around two years or more. The monthly revenue estimate applies only once you are harvesting regularly, and early harvests are often small.

• Comfortable with outdoor work in all weather and on tides
• Patient, with good record keeping
• Basic boat or vehicle handling for site access

• A marine licence, site lease or consent and aquaculture authorisation may be needed, so check with the relevant body for your nation
• The water must be in a classified shellfish area, which affects whether oysters can be sold live
• Sales and handling normally need approved dispatch or depuration, so check how this works locally
• Storms, disease, algal blooms and pollution closures can cause losses or stop sales
• Expect no revenue for roughly the first two years while oysters grow, so plan cash or other income to cover this period
• Insurance for the site, equipment and any boat, plus safety on tidal ground

Startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on the site and equipment. These are estimates. Insurance for the site, equipment and any boat, plus safety on tidal ground, is also worth checking.

A marine licence, site lease or consent and aquaculture authorisation may be needed, so check with the relevant body for your nation. The water must be in a classified shellfish area, and sales normally need approved dispatch or depuration, so check locally.

Expect no revenue for roughly the first two years while oysters grow, so plan cash or other income. After that, monthly revenue is typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on volume and buyers.