Summary

A survey of 19 oyster producing estuaries in NSW was carried out during August 1998. The survey showed that Pacific oyster densities on catching sticks were similar to or lower than those from the previous survey (1995) in all estuaries apart from the Clyde River. The catch of Pacific oysters in the Clyde River showed a sharp increase on previous levels, and was approximately five times the mean densities in other south coast estuaries.

Results from the grow-out areas showed densities of Pacific oysters on depot sticks, nail-outs and trays broadly similar to those from previous surveys in all estuaries except the Clyde River and Wagonga Inlet, where there were very substantial increases from the previous levels. Densities decreased on depot sticks and nail-outs in the Crookhaven/Shoalhaven River, Bermagui River and Pambula Lake.

Overall, results show that apart from the Clyde River and Wagonga Inlet, catches of Pacific oysters in 1998 were similar to or lower than those recorded in the 1995 survey, with very few Pacific oysters found north of Port Stephens.