Commercial Seafood Apprenticeship Program Instructor Profiles

Pete Kornack

Owner of Cape Island Clam Farm with over 20 years of experience in the commercial seafood industry.

How did you get started in the commercial seafood industry?  

“I grew up in Delaware on Rehoboth Bay. We didn’t really have oysters, but clams and blue crabs were my thing. I loved it. I didn’t do it commercially, just went out and got ‘em and ate ‘em. I’d do that all summer long and into the fall. I got into the restaurant business for about 20 years. After that, I had a friend who had a clam farm and I helped him out a couple of times and fell in love with it. I eventually got my own clam farm and now that’s what I do full time. Clams and oysters.”

What makes South Carolina waterways special?

“We still have a lot of pristine water here. We have the Francis Marion National Forest at our backs and we’ve got the Cape Romain Wildlife Preserve in our marshes here. That really keeps our water quality up there. We don’t have a lot of local industry. We’re kind of remote. South Carolina has really made an effort trying to keep their waterways clean.”

What advice would you give to a potential CSAP applicant?

“Come with an open mind. Know that you’re going to do a couple of different fisheries to survive in this industry. You’re going to work hard. It’s going to be gratifying. And it’s a good life. There’s something really good for the soul to get out there and work in nature and then bring food back to your community.”