KAIKOURA OYSTERS

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30179, 10 July 1963, Page 14

KAIKOURA OYSTERS

‘Disappointing’ Surveys

The results of last veek’s surveys of oysters at Kaikoura had been disappointing, and there was no question of a commercial venture, said Mt G. D. Noqpan. the managing director of Fish Processing. Ltd., yesterday. The shells dredged by the Lister Maris indicated that beds had been established but had been attacked by some disease which had stopped growth, he said Shells but no oysters were dredged up on the second survey, which was made north to north-east of Kaikoura. The first survey in South Bay brought only two oysters to the surface. Many starfish, which feed on oysters, were dredged on the second survey with the shells. Howe’’er. none of the shells was freshly empty It was felt therefore that the starfish were not to blame for the dearth of live oysters, said Mr Noonan. Some of the shells were only a quarter of an inch in diameter, indicating that they had been killed by a disease. There was plenty of shellfish there for the starfish, he added.

Reports of oysters at Gibson's light will not be investigated. Mr Noonan said Gibson’s light is half-way between Kaikoura and Lyttelton. There was no shelter for fishermen to go to if the weather was bad. Mr Noonan said “It is about f our hours steaming distance from both ports, and the boats would have to be away for considerable lengths of time without adequate shelter nearby,” he sail!.