It’s been a bumpy start for the new Bluff oyster season.
The wild oyster season in New Zealand runs from 1 March to August with the main boats harvesting in Foveaux Strait.
However, issues with diseases, Covid-related delays, and struggling restaurants are also making them cautious about how the season will go.
Courier companies have also warned customers of possible delays as they cope with staff off work with Covid-19.
But, scientists are pleased with the number of oysters available. There are much more than in previous seasons.
He said during recent pre-season surveys the numbers were “honestly uncountable” – in fact, billions of them, he reckons.
The government quota is set at 14.95 million oysters per season. However, the amount caught is usually half of that.
