A scientific review has cautioned against future flat oyster farming in Stewart Island’s Big Glory Bay as an introduced parasite poses an "unnacceptable risk" to the wild oyster fishery. Consultation will take place later this year on the future of flat oyster farming in New Zealand following the release of the review. The review cautioned against future flat oyster farming in Big Glory Bay due to the threat Bonamia ostreae poses to the iconic wild Bluff oyster fishery in the adjacent Foveaux Strait. Bonamia ostreae was first found in the upper South Island in 2015, then in Big Glory Bay oyster farms in 2017. It also found a return to flat oyster farming should not occur without protective measures including further research, ongoing surveillance for the parasite and use of best biosecurity practice.

Source: Otago Daily Times July 23, 2020 03:45 UTC