Bid to halt oyster decline in Chichester Harbour

The number of oysters dredged from Chichester Harbour has plummeted in recent years. It 
was just three years ago that fishermen were regularly dredging 25 bags a day.

Now, the fishermen consider it a good day when they bring home eight bags of oysters.

Belinda Vause of Sussex Sea Fisheries said: “There are a number of reasons other than fishing for 
the decline.

“These include the parasitic disease Bonamia Ostreae, competition from Slipper Limpets and predation by Sting Winkles.

“In addition, scientists from CEFAS and the National Oceanographic Centre (NOC) have found that the oysters are now too thinly spread across the seabed for successful fertilization.”

Sussex Sea Fisheries are working in partnership with Chichester Harbour Conservancy, Natural England, NOC and local commercial fishermen.

A trial scheme will take place to relay locally-dredged oysters in a number of locations in the harbour.

By laying them in dense beds, it will increase the chance of successful reproduction for the oysters. The stocks will be monitored for 
breeding success.

Deputy harbour master Richard Craven said: “Working together we have been able to come up with a low-budget, industry partnership.

“The main aim of relaying the oysters is to increase the number of spat produced, therefore building up the oyster stocks again in the harbour.”