Oyster farmers cautious ahead of summer as algal bloom recovery continues

South Australian oyster farmers are cautiously optimistic as they recover from last year's harmful algal bloom. Some producers are facing challenges like a decrease in stock and an increase in barnacles. The industry is eagerly awaiting the return of the bloom as the water warms. Oyster growers are navigating the aftermath of the bloom, almost a year after some harvesting regions reopened.

Simon and Meagan Turner operate near Adelaide at Franklin Harbour on the Eyre Peninsula, where the area reopened in November after a four-month closure. They note that the reopening has brought a sense of normalcy, with healthy oysters and returning wildlife like dolphins. However, recovery is uneven across the coastline, and a constant issue is decreased stock.

The Turner family has experienced about 40% less stock than usual, as oysters take 12-15 months to mature. Government support helped mitigate major financial losses, and this year has been financially good, but they expect to feel the impact now due to the lack of product in the water. Across the Spencer Gulf at Stansbury, Steve Bowley has not added new stock for at least 18 months, attributing a $400,000 decline in business value and a rise in mortalities to increased barnacles and dead weed.

He is unsure if he can recoup his investment in the business. As summer approaches and the fate of the harmful algal bloom remains uncertain, all eyes are on the water, creating a sense of dread. Despite the uncertainty, the South Australian Oyster Growers Association chair, Peter Treloar, expresses relief, highlighting the industry feeling confident with production occurring and growers looking forward to making sales ahead of Christmas.