Oyster catch limit stays low

It will be a case of "less is more" for oyster lovers this year.

The commercial catch limit will remain the same as last season's reduced rate.

Fisheries Minister David Benson-Pope says the fishery is showing signs of recovery, following the decimation of oyster beds due to the disease bonamia, but he says mature oysters remain scarce.

Mr Benson-Pope says maintaining the same 7.5 million catch limit as last year will help ensure a rapid rebuild of the industry.

He is confident the fishery will come right over the next few years if the disease has run its course, due to the large number of juvenile oysters.

The commercial season starts this Sunday and runs until August 31.