Taylor Shellfish completes new processing plant

The current emphasis is on nicely-shaped, single oysters for the domestic half shell trade and Latin and Asian in-shell markets. �Cultchless� single oyster seed is produced at Taylor�s state-of the-art hatcheries in Quilcene and Kona, HI by introducing finely ground oyster shell to the larva tank. The oyster shell particles are so small there is only surface area enough for one microscopic larva to attach to. Once attached, the larva becomes �spat� and grows into a single oyster seed. Grow-out techniques for seed oysters at Taylor farming locations depend on bottom type and oyster species.

�We�ve been running shifts 24 hours a day to keep up with demand,� says Austin Docter, plant manager. �The new plant will give us the opportunity to quadruple our production in just one shift and will provide capacity for growth. In addition to increasing capacity, we will be able to handle fresher product more quickly, colder and more efficiently. We�ll be sending a better quality product to the market.� With impeccable sanitation essential in working with live shellfish, the new facility is designed for easy, thorough and regular cleaning.

Specialty oysters will be graded to the gram at the rate of four oysters per second by a system designed for Taylor by the Marel-Carnitec Company. The latest nitrogen quick freezing technology will produce frozen top-off oysters for a growing market. The new facility has an 850 pallet freezer storage capacity. The new plant will employ 12 new people immediately and will provide economic influx to the community by bringing product in from other areas of the Sound for processing.

Taylor Shellfish Farms is a fourth generation family-owned company with 375 employees farming shellfish on 9000 acres of owned and leased tideland in the Puget Sound and Willapa Bay, Washington. The company produces Manila clams, Mediterranean mussels, geoduck, and a variety of live, shucked and frozen oysters for national and international markets. For information on Taylor Shellfish Farms, go to www.taylorshellfish.com .