Giant Suminoe oyster detected for first time in Kedron Brook, Bribie, Pinkenba, Brisbane River
A giant, invasive Chinese oyster has been detected for the first time in Brisbane waterways and on Bribie Island. Sadly for oyster lovers, experts are warning people not to eat them.
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A giant, invasive Chinese oyster has been detected for the first time in Brisbane waterways and on Bribie Island.
Sadly for oyster lovers, biosecurity experts are warning not to eat the Suminoe (Chinese river) oysters, which grow to five times the size of native species.
Biosecurity Queensland has issued an alert after anglers found the invasive species for the first time in the state, at Bribie Island and also in Kedron Brook, Boggy Creek in Pinkenba and near the mouth of the Brisbane River. ️
They were difficult to distinguish from native rock oysters until they reach their distinctive larger size (up to 24 cm in length).
A declared marine pest, they attached to submerged and floating infrastructure including pylons, pontoons and boats and could occupy shallow waters as well as muddy creeks.
They most likely arrived in ballast water pumped out from overseas freight ships docking Brisbane.
The Suminoe oyster competed with native species for space and may carry exotic diseases and parasites.
Although edible, experts cautioned people not to consume them as little was known about the species and because of the risk of spreading them to new areas.
Boat owners were urged to check, clean and dry equipment to prevent further spread.
People were also urged to contact Biosecurity Queensland with the location of any suspected Suminoe and provide photos, if safe to do so.
Call 13 25 23 or report detections online.
For more information visit the Biosecurity Queensland fact sheet.
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Originally published as Giant Suminoe oyster detected for first time in Kedron Brook, Bribie, Pinkenba, Brisbane River
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