Oysters might not be doomed

Press, 12 September 1986, Page 27

Oysters might not be doomed

PA Dunedin A scientist expressing concern that the $lO million Foveaux Strait oyster fishery may be doomed has been accused of over-reacting. The scientist is a parasitologist, Dr Brian Jones, who is assessing the fishery for the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. The fishery has been affected by a parasite called bonamia. Mr Cliff Skeggs, of Skeggs Foods, said the parasite might be only a seasonal phenomenon and future seasons might not be so badly affected. The oyster season closed five weeks early this year becaus®, bonamia has wiped our

much of the resource in the western half of Foveaux Strait. Dr Jones was quoted as saying that tests on infected oysters so far confirmed the Ministry’s worst fears. Mr Skeggs said that the "sort of assessment” made by Dr Jones was inappropriate because the Scientist had not yet finished his research. The quality of all seafood seemed to be running in seven-year cycles, he said. Skeggs Foods has a stake of about $3.5 million invested in the oyster industry in the region, owning four of the 23 boats working from Bluff and having interests in several other oyster boats.