Hatchery

AN OYSTER’S LIFE STARTS HERE

Photo credit: Ashley Sears | Algea is grown in order to properly feed the growing baby oysters.

The hatchery at Blue Island Oysters is where all the cool science stuff happens. Chefs, food writers, and oyster enthusiasts from around the world have come to our facility in West Sayville, New York to witness first hand how oyster seeds are produced. Visitors to the hatchery and nursery learn how male and female oysters are spawned, how free-swimming larvae are set on ground oyster shells and even observe baby oysters under a microscope. Seawater and sunshine are all we need to produce millions and millions of baby oysters.

Photo Credit: Jules Slutsky | A view of few week old oysters under the microscope.

Photo credit: Ashley Sears | At about 1/2″ in size these tiny oysters are just about ready to be planted out in the water.