OYSTER BEDS

Hokitika Guardian, 31 July 1930, Page 2

OYSTER BEDS

On' the ocean bed in Foyeaux Strait, in number of places are, what are called by the oystertnan, “fasts,” These “fasts” are situated within the zonef of dredging operations and about them .are found the largest sized oysters (writes the Bluff correspondent of the “Southland News”). The “fasts” are mostly comprised of outcrops of rock and should the oystermah’s dredge become caught in these rocks, the result in nine cases out of ten is that the dredge is there for keeps, Elver since oystering commenced in the Strait a heavy toll of the gear has been taken and some hundreds of dredges now repose at the bottom of the sea. The men know from' landmarks when they are approaching the “fasts” but are in many cases tempted by the good quality of the bivalves to continue a little further and then probably ensues disaster. The “fasts” cover hundreds of acres of the sea bottom and in that area there must be a most prolific quantity of oysters of the largest size and best quality.. From time to time suggestions have been made as to a method to reap this rich harvest, but so far no workable scheme has eventuated. The depth of water —lB to 24 fathoms—presents the most serious obstacle to success. It is currently reported, (however, that one enterprising firm of oyster merchants at the port has evolved a scheme whereby all obstacles will be overcome, and a trial made in the near future. It is hoped .that their efforts will meet with success;