A journey of connection, resilience, and the unexpected tides that shape our lives

When Beth met Jake as his autism support teacher, she never imagined it would lead to a love story, a new family, and a flourishing oyster farm on the Connecticut coast. A shared love of the sea—and a little serendipity—revealed a deeper connection with Jake’s father, Chris. Before long, they came together to build Stonington Farms Shellfish, a family-run business whose oysters now inspire the region’s most celebrated chefs.

Rising Tide to Table, the award-winning short documentary that tells their story, captures the quiet yet powerful connections between land and sea, farmer and chef, parent and child, husband and wife. It’s a portrait of the people behind the plate. Where the coastline meets craftsmanship and tradition blends with innovation.

With over 70,000 acres of shellfish farms and more than 20 million oysters harvested annually, Connecticut’s aquaculture industry is flourishing. Families like the Simonds, supported by smart policies and deep-rooted passion, are helping lead the way. In Connecticut, an oyster is never just an oyster. It’s a story—of the state’s vibrant coastal heritage and the people who make it thrive.