AFTER a couple of seasons with good growing conditions, increased demand and rising prices, local oyster farmers are having problems.

The sustained wet weather in the run-up to the traditional peak demand season of Easter has seen the Port closed to harvesting. This in turn, has halted their cash flow.

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On top of this, an outbreak of QX (Queensland Unknown) has the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) closely monitoring the situation, with oyster farmers culling suspect leases.

Outbreaks have been found in Tilligerry Creek and the Karuah River which have seen restrictions imposed on moving oysters to other low risk estuaries.

The oysters have displayed signs of unexpected mortality, slow growth and other clinical symptoms.

Outbreaks generally occur between late summer and early winter with colder water playing a part in an end to the problem.

Sydney rock oysters are affected but not the Pacific variety.

There is no problem eating oysters with QX but it does affect the growth rate and condition of the bivalve.

Some farmers are introducing a QX resistant variety and others are going back to growing the Pacific species.

Meanwhile, growers are stockpiling the removed oyster shells behind their depots.

By Geoff WALKER