Keep your eyes peeled for blackmarket oysters this Christmas

Black market oysters will be in the spotlight during this festive season as authorities clamp down on the illegal seafood trade.

Operation Trident in an on-going compliance operation designed to deter and detect oyster theft and protect consumers against potentially unsafe black market produce during the Christmas/New year period.

Industry & Investment (I&I NSW) Fisheries Compliance Director Glenn Tritton said Operation Trident includes covert and overt patrols and inspections up and down the NSW coast, and involves I&I NSW, the NSW Food Authority and NSW Police.

“The theft and selling blackmarket seafood is a serious, widespread, and growing problem in NSW,” Mr Tritton said.

“The landmark Palmer Report led to the recent passing of the Fisheries Management Amendment Bill 2009 which strengthens penalties for illegal fishing offences, and increases the powers of Fisheries Officers targeting illegal fishing activity.

“Operation Trident involves the use of specialised surveillance equipment in a multi agency approach to detect the illegal theft of huge quantities of oysters across NSW each year.

“The Christmas New Year holiday period is the peak season for seafood and oyster consumption, and a series of operations will be conducted across the state to coincide with the expected rise in illegal seafood trade.

“This coordinated approach by I&I NSW, NSW Food Authority and NSW Police Force will allow the agencies to share resources, intelligence and information that will better enable us to catch those responsible for ripping off hard working oyster farmers.”

NSW Farmers Oyster Committee member Mark Bulley said he applauds the ongoing success of the Operation since it’s inception in 2007.

“We are seeing a noticeable reduction in oyster thefts as a result of the continued success of Operation Trident,” he said.

“And as Operation Trident cranks up again this year, the NSW Oyster Industry is looking forward to working in conjunction with the government agencies involved in a combined effort to really crack open the oyster theft industry.”

NSW Food Authority CEO Alan Coutts said the black market oyster trade could pose a health risk to consumers as well.

“Stolen oysters that have not been covered by the NSW Shellfish Program are not monitored for their quality,” Mr Coutts said.

“So at this time of year in particular, when oysters and seafood are in strong demand, it is a timely reminder for consumers to only buy oysters from a reputable supplier.

“Oysters purchased from reputable suppliers are safe.”

NSW Police Marine Area Commander Joe McNulty said the NSW Police Force and I&I NSW will utilise state of the art surveillance gear including infra red cameras and other intelligence gathering equipment during Operation Trident.

“Would be oyster thieves are on notice again – we will catch you,” he said.

“Oyster thieves target leases worked on tirelessly by farmers for years on end and the thefts impact on farmers, their families and ultimately the consumer.

“It is up to the public too to report oyster thefts and suspicious sales of oysters for the safety of communities.

“If someone approaches you in a pub or if you run a restaurant and someone tries to sell you cheap oysters, ring Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 and help us put an end to this potentially dangerous scam,” he said.

Further reading

Oyster publications

Recreational fishing rules and regulations