Oyster crop in doubt for 1987

Press, 13 August 1986, Page 26

Oyster crop in doubt for 1987

PA Dunedin Next year’s oyster season in Foveaux Strait hangs in the balance as Ministry of Fisheries scientists study the extent of a parasite infestation which forced the early closing this year. Studies have shown about a 50 per cent mortality rate in oyster beds in the western half of the strait, falling to about 10 per cent further east The parasite has been identified as bonamia, which enters the oyster’s blood cells, multiplies, and eventually kills. A few years ago bonamia ravaged European oyster fisheries.

Some have not yet recovered. Later this month scientists will conduct a big survey of the beds to determine the distribution of the parasite and whether it is endemic or whether it has been imported. Mr R.W. Voller, regional fisheries management officer in Dunedin, said that the survey’s findings would determine the fate of next year’s season. Usually the season reopened at the end of February. "We may have to review that in the light of what we find during the survey,” he said.