Australians planning a seafood feast this Christmas may find local oysters in short supply, with Port Stephens growers still recovering from a devastating series of setbacks that have crippled stocks.
A Perfect Storm of Challenges for Growers
The region's famed Sydney rock oyster industry has been battling for survival since an outbreak of QX disease in 2021 forced at least four local growers out of business entirely. For those who remained, the struggle was far from over.
"The bottom line is that stocks are down this year," confirmed Lucas Ashley, vice chairman of the NSW Farmers Port Stephens branch. He revealed that growers in Tilligerry Creek have lost roughly a third of their stocks, while those on the western side of the port near Karuah were hit hardest and are essentially starting from scratch.
This local production crisis has been worsened by a widespread Karenia mikimotoi algal bloom contaminating South Australian coasts, cutting off another key supply source for the festive season.
Financial Toll and a Glimmer of Hope
The financial impact on the Port Stephens industry has been severe. Official state government figures show the sector was valued at $10 million in 2019/20, but that figure had crashed to approximately $6.9 million by 2022/23.
Amid the difficulties, a recent infrastructure project has provided a much-needed boost. The dredging of the Myall River's natural entrance, known locally as "the shortcut," has significantly improved water flow and conditions for surrounding oyster farms.
"It's been a huge positive; the shortcut should be opened all the time," Mr Ashley said, highlighting the project's benefits for the overall health of the river system. He emphasised that improving the port's water quality remains a top priority for both growers and government agencies to secure the industry's future.
Restoring the Past for a Sustainable Future
Looking beyond immediate recovery, a landmark environmental project is laying the groundwork for long-term resilience. The NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy began the state's first large-scale oyster reef restoration in Port Stephens back in 2019, aiming to rebuild reefs lost to centuries of over-harvesting and disease.
Six years later, the project is showing promising results. Scientists using acoustic telemetry to track fish movements have recorded over 100,000 data points, revealing that popular species like yellowfin bream and dusky flathead are actively using the newly created reef habitats.
For growers like Lucas Ashley, the goal is clear: "We just want to get the port back on its feet to get the industry moving again. It's not about Band-aid solutions, rather we want to boost our own local production to a level where we are bringing in investment rather than relying on the government for support."
While this Christmas will see fewer local Port Stephens oysters on plates, the combined efforts in disease management, water quality improvement, and habitat restoration aim to ensure future festive seasons are more abundantly supplied.
