The Bluff oyster industry is holding its collective breath as it waits to learn if an oyster-killing parasite has made it across Foveaux Strait.
It was confirmed on Thursday the Ministry for Primary Industries had agreed to fast-track the testing of Bluff’s wild oyster beds, searching for signs of the Bonamia ostreae parasite.
That meant testing of Bluff’s oyster beds would begin as soon as Monday, weather permitting, and results would be due in about three weeks, an MPI spokesman said.
That was three months ahead of the next round of regular six-monthly testing, which had not been due until September.
Bluff’s former Ocean Beach freezing works site, which now houses two oyster hatcheries, had also been tested this week but initial results showed no sign of the parasite, the spokesman said.
The testing followed concerns expressed by Graeme Wright, of the Bluff Oyster Management Company, that the hatcheries, which pumped water into Foveaux Strait, could already be "a breeding ground for bonamia".
Contacted yesterday, Mr Wright said the testing regime being rolled out by MPI was "fantastic".
"I think we’re still in the midst of a crisis, I think it’s fair to say, but there’s definitely some action happening.
"Is it quick enough? Well, I guess it’s never quick enough, but it’s progressing."
The progress came weeks after it was confirmed that the parasite, previously found in the Marlborough Sounds in 2015, had been detected at oyster farms in Stewart Island’s Big Glory Bay.
That prompted MPI’s decision, announced on June 9, to remove all contaminated oysters from Stewart Island in a bid to prevent the parasite’s spread across Foveaux Strait.
Mr Wright told the Otago Daily Times his vessel would be among those conducting tests of Bluff’s wild beds.
There were no signs yet of any abnormal mortality among the wild oyster beds that could indicate the parasite’s presence, but only time would tell, he said.
"We’re obviously extremely concerned, but at the end of the day, as an industry, I personally think we’re better off knowing than not knowing."
