If these areas are inclined to be influenced by sewage, stormwater run-off, industrial pollutants or other influences that are considered detrimental, the authority will not be issued.įisheries Queensland runs a water quality program for commercial oyster-growing areas in the Moreton Bay area.
#Size of oyster spat download#
Download the latest report to farmers for aquaculture industry statistics and production data.īefore issuing an authority, Fisheries Queensland assesses oyster areas to determine any likely environmental impacts on oysters.
The oyster industry management plan for Moreton Bay Marine Park supports the sustainable development of the commercial oyster industry in Moreton Bay. You will need to discuss technical and licensing aspects of any proposed aquaculture venture with staff from Fisheries Queensland and the Department of Environment and Science proceeding with site selection, design and, where applicable, land purchase. Spatfall occurs throughout the year, but peaks in Moreton Bay between November and March. Known spat-catching areas in southern Queensland are the Great Sandy Strait, Pumicestone Passage and the leeward sides of Moreton, North Stradbroke and South Stradbroke Islands. The batches are placed in the mid to lower part of the tidal range, where the spat settle on the sticks. In this method, 6–8 sticks are nailed to cross-beams to form frames that are then grouped to form batches. Stick placement is one of a variety of proven methods used for collecting spat. The artificial substrate must be attractive to the larvae to encourage them to settle and attach. The influences of tide, wind and currents must be considered before placing spat collection devices. developing a suitable substrate for the spat to settle on. deciding on an area in which to collect (this must be an area where spat are known to be present in the water). Collecting spatĬrucial considerations for spat collection include: This introduced species competes with rock oysters for food and space. Restrictions are in place to prevent importing the Pacific oyster ( Crassostrea gigas) into Queensland. Selection of spat has become an important issue for Queensland growers, as they need to source supplies of stock that are both economical and contaminant-free. Many growers ask to see a sample of the stock before they buy. Some spat is still collected, but the amount is small compared to the spat sourced from New South Wales.īecause an oyster is considered spat up to the age of 12 months, size can vary considerably. Queensland oyster farmers have, for some time, relied on importing spat from New South Wales for on-growing into Queensland waters. The successive steps of growing and maturing depend on the quantity and quality of the spat. The first step in oyster aquaculture is finding a good source of spat (oyster larvae). This guide provides an overview of rock oyster farming in Queensland. Some Queensland producers have developed branded product as a means of enhancing market access. Australian per person consumption of oysters has declined since the peaks of the 1970s. Oysters are sold locally to seafood retailers and the hospitality industry. These 3 stages are interrelated, although each stage may require different conditions and/or a different location. growing the spat to a mature or semi-mature stage (depending on market demand). Oyster farming operations are divided into three stages: The seasonal occurrence of the disease QX in south-eastern Queensland waters restricts the tidal areas where oysters can be viably produced and limits the growing season. 
sticks, racks, trays) on tidal land.Īll oyster production occurs south of Hervey Bay, with most oyster areas in Moreton Bay. Oyster aquaculture in Queensland is based around production of the rock oyster ( Saccostrea glomerata) using aquaculture 'furniture' (e.g.
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