As one of the largest oyster planters on the East Coast, Lake Cowart’s business is dependent on the quality of the water in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. “Everything in the oyster business is so dependent on what happens on the land,” he said.

“We need to be careful with our acreage to protect this watershed.”  Having seen the link between water quality and land use, Cowart is turning his sights towards protecting additional farmland he owns on the banks of the Coan River where his business, Cowart Seafood Corporation, is headquartered. 

Lake Cowart, Jr. – Owner of Cowart Seafood Corp

Photo Credit: Northern Neck Land Conservancy