Authorities in New South Wales have issued a stern warning to seafood lovers this festive season, urging them to buy oysters only from reputable sources. The alert follows a targeted police crackdown on the illegal black market oyster trade along the state's picturesque South Coast.
Operation Bushmint Targets Oyster Theft
Operation Bushmint 2025 was a four-day blitz conducted by the NSW Police Rural Crime Prevention Team. The operation ran from Friday, December 19, 2025, to Monday, December 22, 2025, and focused on known rural crime offenders across several key coastal areas.
Officers from the South Coast Police District and the Hume Police District were deployed to regions including Bega, Narooma, and the Batemans Bay sector. In a direct response to recent thefts, police conducted thorough inspections of 13 oyster leases in waterways such as the Clyde River at Batemans Bay, Bermagui River, Wapengo, and Wagonga Inlet at Narooma.
Health Risks and Legal Consequences
Rural Crime Prevention Team Coordinator, Detective Sergeant Michael Calleja, emphasised the dual dangers of purchasing illicit seafood. He warned that oysters sold on the black market bypass the strict health and safety standards required of legitimate sellers, posing a potential risk to consumers' health.
"It's not worth the risk," Detective Sergeant Calleja stated. "Not only is it illegal, but it may not be good for your health. Illegal sellers are not bound by strict health requirements, making the oysters potentially unsafe to consume."
The legal penalties for oyster theft are severe, with offenders facing fines of up to $275,000 and possible imprisonment. The police operation also included water patrols, where officers checked boat safety equipment and recreational fishing licences.
Ongoing Vigilance This Summer
This crackdown is part of the ongoing Operation Trident, a joint initiative between NSW Police and NSW Fisheries dedicated to investigating oyster theft. Authorities have confirmed that these efforts will continue throughout the summer period to protect the local aquaculture industry.
Police are encouraging the public to report any suspicious activity related to illegal fishing or the sale of stolen seafood. Information can be provided anonymously through the following channels:
- Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000
- Fishers Watch on 1800 043 536
- Online via the NSW Department of Primary Industries website
The message from authorities is clear: ensuring your festive seafood is sourced legally and safely protects both your health and a vital regional industry.
