Christopher Bryant, who more than four year ago obtained a commercial shellfish aquaculture license for a one-half acre site near Jobs Cove, received approval from the Board of Selectmen to expand his oyster business an additional half-acre.

At Tuesday night’s Selectmen meeting, Bryant requested permission to expand his family's business at a site on the western shoreline of Sippican Outer Harbor, south of Silvershell Beach.

Years ago, Bryant initially hoped to harvest oysters on a total of two acres, but the town officials required him to receive approval in one half-acre increments, he said.

"Whether we expand beyond this point, I don't know. It may be all we need," said Bryant, whose family harvests and sells oysters to the Boston-area restaurants Island Creek Oyster Bar and Row 34.

Residents attending the meeting generally were receptive to the proposal, although they sought reassurance that the oyster farm would not affect water quality, recreational boating, or cut off fishermen access to quahogs.

"I want to make sure we have areas open for families and commercial fisherman," said resident Ray Pickles.

Bryant answered that the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries will conduct a survey to ensure that the site does not interfere with navigational pathways. Also, he said the state agency will examine the site's potential impact on eel grass and other marine life.

Also, in response to Pickles' question on whether the site will be used only to harvest oysters. Bryant said while he has harvested scallops in the past, "our primary purpose is oysters."

In response to a letter from resident Alison Hodges, who expressed concern about the operation's effect on water quality, Bryant said that oysters are known to improve water quality at harvesting sites.

Marion Shellfish Operator Adam Murphy also spoke on behalf of the harbormaster's office. He said the site will not impede with residential shellfishing, but said the town has maxed out issuing access permits, so there will be no option if the site requires relocation.

The application still requires approval from the Conservation Commission and the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. Bryant said he expects the Conservation Commission hearing to take place sometime in May.