From Spawn to Seed: Inside an Oyster Hatchery

Join Sundays at Two on February 15th, 2026 to explore the Oyster Hatchery with Hatchery Manager, Kasey Balderson. The Oyster Seedling Hatchery Company has weekly spawns for commercial production of oyster larvae and seed. The product id sold to aquaculture farmers all along the East Coast from Maine to Florida.

Balderson’s presentation is based on her hands-on knowledge of the subject. She has a lifelong interest in the Bay and aquaculture, with a Bachelor of Science in Organismal Biology and Minor in Leadership from Christopher Newport University along with a decade of experience in oyster larvae culture. In her presentation, she will share everything from water system maintenance to husbandry of oyster larvae; to overseeing productivity of broodstock, algae, larvae and seed; and to selling and transporting to commercial aqua farmer locations.

“The Oyster Hatchery is located on Gwynn’s Island,” said Sundays at Two Committee member Sandy Toomey, “Come join us for a thrilling look into the production of oyster larvae and seed found right in our backyard under the supervision of Kasey Balderson. It is surely a hidden treasure and so is Kasey!”

The Oyster Seedling Hatchery Company, founded in 2008, is a multi-faceted business that includes harvesting and educational facility tours. In the spring, the Hatchery Eatery shoreline truck restaurant opens for oyster tasting. Visitors to Gwynn’s Island can view oyster farming by looking out towards the Hole in the Wall Restaurant from their Milford Haven facility.

The hour-long presentation and question and answer session will be followed by an opportunity to meet Balderson and enjoy coffee, tea and light refreshments just outside of the library’s meeting room on the second floor. The program also can be viewed on Facebook Live or later on the library’s YouTube channel.