Joe Zahtila and Dave Relyea are two significant figures in the history of the Frank M. Flower shellfish hatchery in Bayville, Long Island. Joe Zahtila began his tenure at the hatchery in the 1960s, starting as a hatchery technician responsible for general maintenance and working with shellfish. Over time, he evolved into a key player in the hatchery's operations, contributing to the development of new methods for growing shellfish, particularly oysters and clams. Dave Relyea started at the hatchery a bit earlier, in 1964. Like Zahtila, Relyea began his career at the hatchery as a high school student, working after school and during the summer. He continued to work at the hatchery while attending college, learning the basics of the hatchery operations. After college, Relyea and Zahtila were asked by Butler Flower to run the hatchery, a responsibility they have held since . Over the years, Relyea has been instrumental in improving the hatchery's methods for growing shellfish, contributing to the hatchery's status as the largest in the Northeast.

Scope and Content Note
The interview with Joe Zahtila and Dave Relyea provides a comprehensive overview of the history and operations of the Frank M. Flower shellfish hatchery in Bayville, Long Island. The interview begins with a brief introduction of Zahtila and Relyea, including their roles at the hatchery and their tenure. The interview then delves into the history of the hatchery, with Zahtila and Relyea recounting their experiences working under Butler Flower, the hatchery's founder. The interviewees discuss the evolution of the hatchery's operations, from setting oysters on shells to using a smaller cultch for single oysters, and the introduction of clam farming in the 1970s. They also discuss the challenges they faced in the early years, including learning the basics of hatchery operations and improving upon them. The interview also touches on the hatchery's use of algae in shellfish farming, a practice that was initiated by Butler Flower. The interview concludes with a discussion on the future of aquaculture, with Zahtila and Relyea expressing optimism about the future of aquaculture, particularly shellfish farming. They discuss the decline of wild fisheries and the increasing importance of aquaculture in maintaining sustainable seafood supplies. They also touch on the role of disease management in aquaculture, highlighting how the hatchery has been able to manage diseases by using shellfish that are resistant to certain diseases due to selective breeding. The interview provides valuable insights into the operations of a successful shellfish hatchery and the future of aquaculture.