Download FAR 2019/02 – A survey of the Foveaux Strait oyster (Ostrea chilensis) population (OYU 5) in commercial fishery areas and the status of Bonamia (Bonamia exitiosa) in February 2018

A survey of Foveaux Strait oysters in February 2018 found all three size groups had increased from 2017. Recruit sized oysters were up 35%, pre-recruit oysters up 45 %, and small oysters up 53%; however, catch rates in 2018 are expected to remain similar. A new ddPCR method provided improved detection of Bonamia, mean prevalence in recruit-sized oysters was 7.2% compared with 1.7% using heart imprints. Bonamia mortality was low (2–3%), as were non-fatal infections (0.1%). In the medium-term, all the key indicators for the future rebuilding of the fishery are strongly positive.