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Oyster farmers on NSW’s South Coast have reported a series of oyster thefts, saying that up to 100,000 oysters have been stolen in October, according to ABC News.
This marks the latest in a string of similar incidents, over the past two years, affecting the livelihoods of NSW farmers and the largest oyster growers in Queensland as of January, 2024.
Police suspect black market involvement in oyster theft investigation
NSW Police suspect the theft links to black market operators. As allegedly, the stolen juvenile oysters could triple in value if removed, grown to full size and sold, creating significant profit.
Detective Sergeant Michael Calleja from the NSW Police Rural Crime Prevention team noted that the stolen oysters, between 8mm and 40mm, were juvenile and far too small for consumption. “It’s not an incident where a few bags have been taken for human consumption,” said Sargeant Calleja.
Despite some oyster thefts occurring “from time to time” on the NSW south coast, Sergeant Calleja said he had not witnessed theft of this scale in recent years. The volume– up to 150 kilograms– points to a deliberate operation rather than an accident or a coincidence.
“The scale suggests someone connected to the industry has taken these unready to be sold oysters with plans to grow them to full size,” said Sergeant Calleja.
Fully grown Sydney Rock oysters with an average shell length of 65 to 77mm are sold at significant market price, once they meet human consumption standards.
Removing oysters from commercial lease without permission is illegal under Section 87 of the Fisheries Act 1994. Offenders face a maximum penalty of 500 penalty units – where one penalty unit is equivalent to $154.80 – and on-the-spot fines issued for offences with a penalty of 10 units ($1548).
Farmers says they’ve copped heavy financial losses from oyster thefts
Pambula oyster farmer Andy Baker said the theft was “fairly significant” and the estimated losses, valued between $10,000 to $20,000, would hurt the affected farmers.
“Smaller 8mm oysters would sell for 3-5 cents an oyster while 40mm oyster could be around 40 cents each,” Mr. Baker said. “Over time they can turn that theft into a pretty significant profit,” he said.
Australia’s Oyster Coast farm, one of the nation’s largest food grade-oyster producers, confirmed they were one among the affected farms with Sydney rock oysters stolen from its Narooma property.
In a statement, the company urged “We’re working with authorities on this matter, and this incident is a reminder to protect NSW’s oyster industry by reporting any suspicious activity on leases.”
NSW Government issues preventative measures for farmers and warning to oyster thieves
The NSW Government has outlined measures to deter oyster theft, which annually costs farmers thousands of dollars in lost stock and equipment with damage to their property along with lost in wages and profit.
NSW.gov.au states that stolen oysters poses a serious public health risk as the oysters violate harvest rules under the NSW Shellfish Program. Offenders face penalties of up to $275,000 and/or imprisonment NSW Food Act 2003.”
Authorities also recommend farmers install security cameras, fencing and deterrent signage, available for purchase, to protect their property.
