Cool change could reduce oyster virus risk in Tasmania, expert says

THE disease crisis threatening the $26 million oyster industry’s viability could ease by next month, the country’s leading authority on Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome says.

Pacific Oysters. Fish Market at Maroubra. Christmas Seafood for Food and Drink Section. Picture: John Appleyard

THE disease crisis threatening the $26 million oyster industry’s viability could ease by next month, the country’s leading authority on Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome says.

POMS is a seasonal virus that will cease to be a threat when waters cool, potentially as early as March, Sydney University’s Professor Richard Whittington has told the Sunday Tasmanian.

Prof Whittington said it was likely POMS was here to stay but Tasmania’s shellfish producers still had a bright future if fisheries were well managed.

“We’re hoping that it’s going to be all over in March and that it will be safe again until the following summer,” he said.

“If next summer is as warm as this summer then the risk will return.

“If it’s a cooler summer with colder water temperatures then it’s possible that Tasmania may sneak through the summer without a disease outbreak.”

The state was experiencing the perfect storm of the virus’s arrival at a time when water temperatures were setting records at more than 20C, Prof Whittington said.

“There’s no doubt at the moment Tasmanian water temperatures are in an anomaly,” he said.

“The warm water has come from the north and possibly brought with it the virus and marine life that can carry the virus.”

Despite a trend towards warming, water temperatures still varied year to year driven by factors such as El Niño, Prof Whittington said.

The Tasmanian industry’s recovery from a hit of more than $5 million will largely depend on protecting areas without the disease, he said, with a continued commitment needed from government.

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It is hoped oysters grown in the unaffected north can be moved south in the cooler months.

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“Those areas become almost sacred ground,” Prof Whittington said.

Biosecurity Tasmania will begin a structured program of testing for POMS from tomorrow to determine which areas of the state are free of the virus, a process expected to take at least two weeks.

“A medium to long-term sustainability plan, including support, will be necessary and we continue to work on this together with the industry and the Federal Government,” Primary Industries Minister Jeremy Rockliff said.

The Sunday Tasmanian understands the State Government is considering advice form experts on the future of the entire aquaculture sector as waters increasingly warm.

Algal blooms considered unprecedented by some scientists closed mussel and lobster fisheries last year.

Growers could be forced into trying different species to ensure the survival of iconic industries.