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The new Bluff oyster season is set to provide the biggest supply seen in years, and retailers doubt even a recession will take a bite out of the demand for the delicacy.
The start of the commercial season, on March 1, is keenly awaited every year by seafood lovers, and the industry is hoping a rebound in the health of the oyster beds will enable a bigger haul this season.
Instead of the self-imposed quota limiting the total oyster catch to 7.5 million, as adhered to in the past five years, this year the industry is proposing to dredge 9.75 million from the ocean off the southern tip of the South Island.
A scientific survey starting this weekend would determine whether the oyster beds had bounced back well enough from the ravages of the parasite bonamia, said Graeme Wright, operations manager for the Bluff Oyster Management Company.
The price of around $25 a dozen makes the oysters a luxury item for many, and luxuries are often cut out in the face of the economic downturn.
However Auckland restaurants and retailers are confident people's passion for the oysters will win out over financial restraint.
"People who love Bluff oysters will always find a bit of money to have some," said Euro Restaurant and Bar chef Simon Gault.
The restaurant had flown a private jet down to get the first oysters of the season in recent years, but is undecided whether it will do so again this year.
Auckland's Soul Bar and Bistro flies up the champion oyster shucker from the South Island each year ahead of its special "all you can eat" oyster lunch, and is planning to buy the same quantity as previous years - 1000 dozen.
General manager Judith Tabron said the oyster season was always highly anticipated, and the novelty factor ensured strong demand.
Auckland Fish Market manager Tom Searle said the sale of Bluff Oysters was traditionally limited only by supply - "as in whatever they can send us generally we can sell it".
"People will cut down on things, but then they will also treat themselves to make themselves feel better at times like this."
