With oyster rustling likely to become the industry’s biggest threat, NSW police have been trained to recognise the stolen molluscs. Growers’ groups have warned of an expected surge in thefts over the summer harvesting period. As many as 55,000 Sydney rock oysters were reported stolen last year, although the actual figure is thought to be much higher, obscured by under-reporting in the industry. Police in Port Maquarie and Forster have recently been trained to recognise stolen oysters and will increase surveillance of oyster beds and road-side vendors over Christmas. DataDot technology, sprayed on to oysters to form a microscopic signature, has been used in South Australia to cut theft and a trial is being conducted in NSW. The chairman of the NSW Farmers Association’s oyster committee, Mark Bulley, said the issue was becoming a priority. “The size of the pilfering that goes on is a concern,” Mr Bulley said. “I think just about every river does have activity, it’s just that some are greater than others.” Thefts are thought to take place at night, from boats, and increase in bad weather and in isolated areas. The oysters are sold in pubs, on roadsides, and to restaurants. Stolen oysters are not purged of bacteria and toxins, and the NSW Food Authority is concerned about the condition of the product sold. Since 2003 anyone caught selling stolen oysters can be fined up to $275,000, mainly because of the health risk. Sydney Morning Herald, December 17.
Dec 19
