Jefferson: Oyster hatchery seeks to expand Quilcene operation

PORT TOWNSEND — The manager of the world’s largest oyster hatchery, based in Quilcene on Port of Port Townsend-owned land, will approach the Port commission this morning and ask for additional space to expand operations.

Greg Coates, hatchery manager with Coast Seafoods at Herb Beck Marina and Industrial Park, is expected to make a presentation at Port commissioners’ 9:30 a.m. work session today at Point Hudson Marina Room.

The oyster hatchery, Quilcene’s largest private employer, produces more than 30 billion oyster larvae annually.

Port Executive Director Larry Crockett said the company wants permission to remove an old 2,000-square-foot warehouse building owned by the port adjacent to Coast’s main hatchery and office building.