Nelson Oysters And Slime Investigated

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29797, 13 April 1962, Page 12

Nelson Oysters And Slime Investigated

(New Zealana Press Association)

WELLINGTON, April 12. Samples of the Nelson marine slime which might be connected with the deaths of oysters in the newlyopened oyster fishing ground in Tasman Bay were being sought by the oceanographic institute of the D.5.1.R., said a microbiologist with the institute (Mr T. M. Skerman) today. The research was awaiting the arrival of samples of slime and oysters newly taken from the sea, said Mr Skerman.

The institute had also requested from Nelson samples of the slime and mud, and the dead oysters dredged recently by oyster fishermen from the depths of the bay

“The Nelson slime which occurred about a year ago about Nelson and the West Coast has been investigated off and on since then as samples have come available.” Mr Skerman said. The difficulty had been that the institute had not heard of occurrences until after the outbreaks of the slime had disappeared. Only a few samples of living organisms which might have caused the widespread oceanic slime had been available for research. ‘We have been greatly hampered by lack of samples.” said Mr Skerman From a few samples taken at early stages the institute had isolated a num-

ber of living organisms, phytoplanktons and bacteria.

Once these things were isolated, the institute had developed cultures in the laboratory from individual species to ascertain if they produced slimes similar to that seen at Nelson. “Some have produced slime, but we are still not satisfied that the slime is the same as that produced in Nelson,” said Mr Skerman.