New oyster business hits the water

Simpson Bay Oyster Co. crew move oyster spat boxes onto the F/V Alena K on May 11, 2019 at Cordova’s south harbor hoist in preparation for transport to SBOC’s oyster farm site in Simpson Bay. Photo by Torie Baker/for The Cordova Times

By Torie Baker

For The Cordova Times

Seawan Gelhbach and Andy Craig took receipt on May 11 of 100,000 Pacific oyster spat to populate their new farm located in Simpson Bay. Operating as Simpson Bay Oyster Co., the site is the newest local maricultural venture to join Jim Aguiar’s nearby Eagle Shellfish oyster operation.

Fresh oyster spat arrives in wet lock boxes in Cordova on May 11, 2019 before being transported by boat to Simpson Bay. Photo by Torie Baker/for The Cordova Times

After the long ferry ride and flight from a hatchery near Ketchikan, the spat, averaging 21 millimeters in size, were taken to their new home aboard the bow picker F/V Alena K. Crew included Kris Kokborg, Hawkins Williams, Leo Craig and pup Oliver.

Owner Andy Craig and son Leo Craig (15) load oyster spat and other gear aboard the F/V Alena K on May 11, 2019 at Cordova’s south harbor hoist. Photo by Torie Baker/for The Cordova Times

After two weeks of acclimation, spat will be further sorted and placed into growing trays. John Kiser, an experienced oyster grower visiting from Ketchikan, was also on hand to give technical advice to the new growers.

Simpson Bay Oyster Co. owner Seawan Gehlbach, and son Leo Craig, 15, ready their oyster farm marker buoys on May 11, 2019 at their warehouse in Cordova’s south harbor. Photo by Torie Baker/for The Cordova Times
Simpson Bay Oyster Co, owner Seawan Gehlbach and crew Kris Kokgorb ready oyster trays on May 11, 2019 at SBOC’s warehouse in Cordova’s south harbor. Photo by Torie Baker/for The Cordova Times
Simpson Bay Oyster Co. staff, from left: crew Kris Kokborg, owner Seawan Gahlbach, dog Oliver, son Leo Craig, and owner Andy Craig unload their oyster wet lock box shipment on May 11, 2019 in preparation for transport to Simpson Bay Oyster Company’s farm site. Photo by Torie Baker/for The Cordova Times
Ketchikan oyster farmer John Kiser helps Kris Kokborg and Seawan Gehlbach inspect the fresh oyster spat shipment bound for Simpson Bay on May 11, 2019. Photo by Torie Baker/for The Cordova Times
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