John Finger

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Hog Island Oyster Co. withdraws 200,000 oysters after hotel sewage leak

Said in Hog Island's Oct. 14 statement that the company was following the state's management plan fully and would resume harvesting only when every required safety standard was met.

State health officials reopened Tomales Bay's shellfish beds on Oct. 18, ending a closure that began Oct. 12 after a septic leak at Olema House's Due West Tavern sent sewage into Olema Creek. Water samples met standards, and two oyster samples collected Oct. 16 showed no sign of a virus indicator called male-specific coliphage.

Updated Oct 23

Notable Quotes

We never thought we'd need to go into the hatchery business but the oyster seed shortage changed that. — John Finger, via KQED profile

from Hog Island Oyster Co. withdraws 200,000 oysters after hotel sewage leak · Updated Oct 23

"The health and safety of our customers has always been our highest priority. Although the release occurred many miles from our farm, the state's management plan exists for exactly this kind of situation, and we're following it fully. We're working closely with CDPH and will resume harvesting only when every required safety standard has been met." — John Finger, Hog Island Oyster Co. statement, Oct. 14, 2026

from Hog Island Oyster Co. withdraws 200,000 oysters after hotel sewage leak · Updated Oct 23