Community meetings on Bonamia ostreae response

Date: 18 June 2017

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is inviting Southland and Stewart Island residents to community meetings about controlling Bonamia ostreae in flat oysters.

MPI will be holding community meetings in Stewart Island and Bluff to share information on its plans for removing flat oyster stocks from marine farms in Big Glory Bay.

MPI Readiness and Response Director Geoff Gwyn says it is important to keep the local community updated and informed about the issue.

“We’re continuing to work with affected local farmers, but we’re also very conscious of the concerns of the wider community in Stewart Island and Southland about the impact of the disease and the removal of the farms. We’re keen to work with the communities to address these concerns.

"The meetings will provide an update on the Bonamia ostreae response and further steps that will be taken to remove affected flat oysters in Big Glory Bay, Stewart Island. MPI will discuss the science informing the response and the ongoing plan for managing Bonamia ostreae.

“The removal operation is huge task and we are thankful for the support of the community and assistance from oyster farmers to make it happen. We’d encourage anyone who has any concerns or questions about the operation to come along.”