Cunning oyster bandits have growers on patrol - ABC Local

Nelson Bay Water Police are also keeping a close eye on the valuable shellfish, as demand grows in the run-up to Christmas.

While they don't seem the most obvious target for criminals, oysters can be big business on the black market.

Well-known oysterman, Trevor Moffat from Swan Bay, says a couple of years ago local growers lost around $100,000 to commercial theft.

"Commercial theft is a major problem for the industry," he says, adding there were extensive losses last year up around Forster.

Four years ago, repeated large thefts had Trevor losing tens of thousands of dollars and putting his 100-year-old family business at risk.

"Oyster farmers now are much more vigilant than they used to be," he says.

So-called "private" theft where people out in boats just help themselves, also occurs.

Trevor says from now through till Easter it will be easy to spot Port oyster growers out on the water patrolling their leases, especially at night.

"We'd all rather be at home having a beer and watching tv," he says.

"But you don't have to lose many oysters nowadays to make the whole year unprofitable.

"So it's in our interests that we look out for not only our own product, but for other farmers as well."

Trevor says the water police have been instrumental in reducing the large thefts from the local leases.

And the growers have their own network to share information about suspicious activity or buyers looking to pay cash for large amounts of oysters.

The oyster industry is heavily regulated as to how the shellfish are produced and marketed, but Trevor says it can be very difficult to trace black market sales.

Trevor Moffat spoke to Carol Duncan on 1233 ABC Newcastle Afternoons, and you can hear the entire interview in the attached audio.