The NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) is warning people that buying black market oysters and other illegal seafood this holiday period will lead to an unhealthy Christmas and an expensive New Year.

It follows reports of the recent theft of an estimated $6,000 worth of oysters in the Bellinger area on the North Coast and 12,000 oysters from the Hawkesbury River.

Operation Trident, an ongoing operation involving NSW DPI fisheries officers, the NSW Food Authority and the NSW Police Force, is targeting the illegal taking and sale of oysters across NSW during the summer and Christmas holiday period.

“The Christmas and New Year holiday period is the peak season for seafood and oyster consumption, and local authorities will be targeting the illegal seafood trade across the state,” said Glenn Tritton NSW DPI, Director of Fisheries Compliance.

“Oyster thieves target leases worked on tirelessly by farmers, it not only affects their livelihood but also has consequences for the sustainability of the entire industry.

“Operation Trident involves the three agencies working cooperatively targeting high-risk locations including covert operations to detect the illegal theft of any quantity of oysters across NSW each year.

“Operation Trident has been an integral part of the NSW Government’s crackdown on black market fishing since 2007.

“This coordinated approach allows involved agencies to share resources, intelligence and information to better enable us to catch those responsible for the attacks on hard working oyster farmers.

“With fines for illegal fishing and oyster theft running into the hundreds of thousands of dollars this cheap seafood could end up being the most expensive meal ever.”

NSW Food Authority Acting CEO, Mr Craig Sahlin is reminding people to make sure they buy shellfish from reputable retailers to ensure that what they buy is legal, fresh and of good quality.

“The NSW Food Authority warns against buying unlabelled oysters from unknown suppliers or roadside sellers,” Mr Sahlin said.

“Oysters sold ‘under the table’ haven’t undergone the usual stringent food safety tests or purification procedures, and could make you very sick.”

The NSW Food Authority has some simple signs to look for to ensure consumers buy legal, fresh and good quality oysters.

• Only buy oysters from a reputable retailer to ensure they meet the strict quality and safety controls of the NSW Shellfish Program.
• Oysters should have a subtle fresh smell or no smell at all.
• An oyster should appear plump and full and have a creamy complexion.
• Opened or shucked oysters are best consumed as soon as possible after purchase, if not they must be stored in the fridge.
• Opened oysters can be kept in the fridge for up to four days after purchase if they are maintained at the correct and constant temperature - temperature fluctuations can greatly reduce shelf life. Remember oysters can absorb tastes from other items in your refrigerator, so package them securely.

Superintendent Mark Hutchings of the NSW Police Force, Marine Area Command said a range of high tech surveillance equipment will be utilised in operations throughout key oyster producing areas.

“The NSW Police Force and NSW Fisheries will utilise state of the art surveillance gear including infra red cameras and other intelligence gathering equipment during Operation Trident,” he said.

“Oyster thieves are on notice that the considerable resources of these three agencies will be targeting you and the net is about to tighten.

“We are seeking the community’s involvement in this, if someone approaches you in a pub or if you run a restaurant and someone tries to sell you cheap oysters, ring Crime Stoppers.”

Anyone that does suspect any illegal activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or contact your local fisheries office.

Media contact: Lyndall Hilder 6391 3686 or 0409 383 423