Our Story: A Love Letter to the Sea
Aphrodite Oysters was founded by Krista Tripp, a lifelong Mainer with salt in her veins and a fierce dedication to Maine’s working waterfront. After years as a lobster harvester, Krista embraced aquaculture in 2018, enrolling in the Island Institute’s aquaculture business development program. There, she learned the intricacies of shellfish farming, built industry relationships, and laid the foundation for what would become Aphrodite Oysters.
The name “Aphrodite” was chosen with intention — not only for its mythological connection to the sea but because our oysters naturally grow with hues of white, green and purple. Just like the goddess they’re named after, they embody love, beauty and indulgence.
What began as a diversification of Krista’s lobster business has blossomed into a thriving farm with a full-time crew and a growing list of restaurant partners. In 2023, we completed a solar energy installation at our onshore facility, significantly reducing our carbon footprint — a testament to our commitment to clean, sustainable operations.
Aphrodite Oysters is more than a farm. It’s a way of life that honors tradition, embraces innovation and celebrates the pure, honest flavors of the Maine coast.
A Woman-Owned Business With Deep Roots
Krista Tripp didn’t just find her calling on the water — she was born into it. As one of the few women leading a commercial oyster farm in Maine, Krista brings both grit and grace to her work, driven by a vision of sustainable aquaculture that’s inclusive, innovative and forward-thinking.
Her journey from hauling traps to harvesting oysters is one of hard-earned success — and she’s proud to stand as part of Maine’s long tradition of women shaping the coast’s future.
Making Waves: Our Story Featured by National & Coastal Media
- National Fisherman (2018)
- Islandport Magazine (2020)
- “Pretty Rugged” by Ali Farrel, book
- “The Long Coast” by Ian Cheney, documentary film
- Krista Tripp’s Aphrodite Oysters, Maine Aquaculture Association
- “America The Bountiful” by PBS, video
- “Small Town, Big Story” by GoUSA TV , video
- Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative
- Island Institute, Stories of Impact
- USDA, “Working Together for Change on Spruce Head Island: Maine Oyster Company Goes Green with REAP Grant”, (2024)
- NOAA Fisheries, NOAA Voices, audio
- Merroir, video
- The First Coast, audio
- Pulitzer Center, “A ‘Whole Way of Life’ At Risk as Warming Waters Change Maine’s Lobster Fishing” (2023)
- USA Today, “See how lobster is caught on the coast of Maine” (2023)
- The Today Show, “How these female lobstermen are breaking stereotypes“, video
- Modern Farmer, “Meet the Women Making Waves in Maine’s Tough Lobster Industry“
- ESPN, ‘SportsCenter: 50 States in 50 Days ‘
Built on Values, Grown With Purpose
At Aphrodite Oysters, we believe good food begins with good intentions. We operate with:
Integrity in every harvest
Respect for our team and the environment
Community spirit that keeps us grounded
