Wild Pacific Oyster

Marine species found in South Australia. Established in the gulfs, Port River, Kangaroo Island and the West Coast – if discovered elsewhere, please report it immediately to Fishwatch 1800 065 522 or via the SA Fishing app.

Wild Pacific Oysters:

• establish on intertidal rocky reefs
• compete for food with farmed oysters and native molluscs
• cause injuries due to their sharp shells
• can be host for Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome (POMS).

Wild Pacific Oysters pose a risk to the oyster aquaculture industry through competition and their potential for hosting disease.

Exotic species under the Fisheries Management Act 2007. It may not be deposited, released or allowed to escape into any waters in South Australia without specific authorisation.

Ban on removing wild Pacific Oysters from the Port River and surrounds

A ban on removing wild Pacific Oysters and other bivalve shellfish (this includes mussels, cockles and razorfish) is also in place in the Port River and surrounding area.

For more information on the ban:

• download a map of the closure area (PDF 244.4 KB)
• view the Bivalve shellfish information on the fishing closures page.