Jacob Dockendorff
Atlantic Shellfish
Farming mussels is in Jacob Dockendorff’s blood.
As a third-generation aqua farmer, Jacob has been working on mussel farms since he was 14 years old. His grandfather was an industry pioneer who started farming mussels when most people thought doing so was crazy and could never be profitable!
While Jacob is now very proud to carry on his family’s legacy, he once swore he would never make a career in aquaculture. However, as he spent time out on the water, learning the ropes from his family and his community, he fell in love with the job and the lifestyle. Now, as President of the Atlantic Shellfish Company, aqua farming is very much a part of his identity.
Back in the early days, Jacob’s grandfather and other mussel farmers were just figuring things out. They used modified potato equipment and lots of trial and error to see what worked. There was no handbook on how to be a mussel farmer — and there still isn’t today! Jacob and his team are always looking for ways to improve things, to create a more efficient process that is good for both the product and the environment.
Back in the early days, Jacob’s grandfather and other mussel farmers were just figuring things out. They used modified potato equipment and lots of trial and error to see what worked. There was no handbook on how to be a mussel farmer — and there still isn’t today! Jacob and his team are always looking for ways to improve things, to create a more efficient process that is good for both the product and the environment.
Jacob has many things to be proud of in his long career in aquaculture, like seeing the quality of shellfish they produce and watching his employees learn and grow in meaningful careers close to home. He also takes pride in the positive environmental impact of his work. Jacob wholeheartedly believes the work he does helps the oceans and protects the environment. In his view, it’s not about reaping the sea, but rather it’s about sowing seed and providing opportunity for higher-quality growth through farming activities. It is rewarding to know he has created a legacy to pass on to future generations. As Jacob says, “It’s a job you can be proud to talk to your kids about when you come home at the end of the day.”
Jacob has many things to be proud of in his long career in aquaculture, like seeing the quality of shellfish they produce and watching his employees learn and grow in meaningful careers close to home. He also takes pride in the positive environmental impact of his work. Jacob wholeheartedly believes the work he does helps the oceans and protects the environment. In his view, it’s not about reaping the sea, but rather it’s about sowing seed and providing opportunity for higher-quality growth through farming activities. It is rewarding to know he has created a legacy to pass on to future generations. As Jacob says, “It’s a job you can be proud to talk to your kids about when you come home at the end of the day.”