Download FAR 2023/25 Annual surveys of the Foveaux Strait oyster (Ostrea chilensis) fishery (OYU 5) and Bonamia exitiosa prevalence, intensity, and disease mortality in February 2022

A survey of Foveaux Strait oysters (OYU 5) in February 2022 found commercial-sized, recruit, and pre-recruit oysters decreased 30.5%, 30.4%, and 24.0%, respectively, since 2021. These decreases cannot be explained by landings, disease, or survey variation. Reduced sampling efficiency due to storm driven changes to the seabed is most likely. Small oysters increased 2.3% and spat settlement was high. Bonamia infection was 6.6%, non-fatal infections 1.0%, and summer mortality 5.0%—similar to 2021.