Lisa Calvo, former NJSGC Aquaculture Program Coordinator and Shellfish Specialist Featured on CBS
Lisa Calvo, former NJSGC Aquaculture Program Coordinator and Shellfish Specialist, whose three-decade career as a marine biologist specializing in shellfish ecology evolved into a full-time passion for oyster farming. Today, she owns Sweet Amalia Oyster Farm (named after her daughter) and co-founded the Sweet Amalia Market & Kitchen, a must-visit culinary destination located in the Jersey Shore. In 2022, Esquire Magazine named it among the top 40 restaurants in the country. And in 2024, Sweet Amalia Market & Kitchen made the NY Times Restaurant List as one of the 50 best restaurants in the country.
Recently featured on CBS Saturday Morning’s “The Dish” segment, Lisa showcases how her science-based roots and entrepreneurial spirit have created a tide-to-table success story. As the Aquaculture Program Coordinator, Lisa and Diana (current NJSGC Director of Education) developed the Apprenticeship in Shellfish Aquaculture Program (ASAP). Their goal: to introduce high school students to the shellfish industry. Despite retiring from NJSGC, Lisa remains involved with NJSGC through the ASAP program by incorporating her farm. High school students involved in the Apprenticeship in Shellfish Aquaculture Program have a chance to learn from the best.
We’re proud to spotlight a scientist-turned-farmer-turned-culinary entrepreneur whose work blends sustainability, curiosity, and community engagement.