Oyster Control Proposed

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31782, 12 September 1968, Page 1

Oyster Control Proposed

(New Zealand Press Association) INVERCARGILL, September 11. Foveaux Strait oystering control and conservation measures—possibly the most comprehensive ever made for the world’s largest remaining natural fishery of this type—were announced today by the Minister of Marine (Mr Scott).

All available evidence indicated that the Foveaux Strait beds might now have reached their possible maximum level of exploitation under traditional dredging methods, and that a more careful husbanding of the oyster resources was now necessary to ensure a continuing high return of goodquality oysters, Mr Scott said in his announcement.

“For the reasons that it is both a million-dollar industry and a unique natural resource, the Foveaux Strait oyster industry is deserving of close attention to ensure that it remains viable,” said Mr Scott.

The main steps to be taken are:—

A shortening of the dredging season by a month and

a half from next year. An increase in the minimum size of takeable oysters. A reduction in the seasonal quota for two of the main

beds. A survey of oyster resources after the season closes this month. Return of more shell to the

beds. Regulations to allow oyster fanning. Among steps being considered are:—

Quotas for each oyster boat. Oyster quality control regula-

tions. Restrictions on the removal of oysters that have undersized oysters attached. Further Study

“The proposed changes in the oyster regulations are based on our present knowledge of the oyster resources, but will be subject to the results of a survey to be undertaken at the end of this season,” said the Minister. “It would have been foolish to impose too much control over the annual take without first discovenng the extent to

which the oyster beds could be harvested.” Mr Scott said he had been carefully watching the weekly catch rate every season since the Government began its policy of encouraging expansion.

He had twice this year met members of the oyster industry at Invercargill to discuss measures which could be introduced to control the take and ensure an economic return to the industry. He said his advisers had carefully considered conditions which should apply to the 1969 season to ensure the continued well-being of the fishery.

As it had proved possible to attain the quota well within the dredging season limits, it had been decided that the season next year would open on March 1 and would close—after six months—on August 31, said Mr Scott. Minimum Size “To maintain quality, the legal minimum of takeable oysters will be increased from 2 l-Bin diameter to 2}in, while the quota from both the east and west zones of the oyster beds will be reduced. I shall make a further announcement about the actual quota that will be permitted. “Consideration is also being given to quotas per boat and/or the question of introducing a measure of quality control to ensure that only fat oysters are opened to the factories.

“One of the most important factors in maintaining the level of stock in the oyster beds is the preservation of the mass of dead shell in which the natural oysters grow. For many years huge quantities of shell have been removed from the beds; and in 1967, for instance, about 12,000 tons were removed. ‘lt is intended, therefore, that another measure be introduced in 1969 to return, under close supervision by the Marine Department, a significant proportion of shell throughout the season to a specified area to find out if this treatment will hasten the rejuvenation of depleted beds.

Mr Scott said that while the season specified under present regulations did not close until September 30, at the present rate of catch the season’s quota could be filled by about mid-September. “However, in discussion with the industry this year 1 undertook to permit exploratory oystering outside the surveyed areas. It will be interesting to see the extent of the catch by oyster dredgers who took the opportunity to engage in exploration. “I am hopeful that those who claimed the existence of grounds outside the surveyed areas will have made good catches by the end of the season,” he said. Oyster Farming

Referring to the preparation of regulations to pave the way for farming of Foveaux Strait oysters, Mr Scott said; “Interest has been taken in the proposal by several members of the industry in Southland; and the Government will give every encouragement to those who wish to increase the economic importance of the oyster industry by establishing oyster farming.”