Oyster season begins

Photo / Kenny Rodger

The Bluff oyster season opened yesterday with a healthy catch, though supply to northern regions this week may be restricted because of bad weather.

The season catch set by the Ministry of Fisheries is 14.95 million oysters, but the oyster companies will limit it to 7.5 million as a conservation measure, with that to be reviewed as the season progresses.

Oysters from yesterday's haul will probably reach North Island shops by tomorrow morning, Barnes Oysters spokesman Graeme Wright said.

The price of a raw dozen this year has increased by $1 to $22 at Barnes' factory shop.