Download FAR 2012/37 The status of infection by bonamia (Bonamia exitiosa) in Foveaux Strait oysters (Ostrea chilensis) in February 2011, estimates of pre-survey and projections of post-survey disease mortality, and implications for the projections of future stock

The 2011 bonamia survey monitored the status of infection and mortality in Foveaux Strait oysters. The pattern of the infection was similar to that observed in 2010. The survey estimated 62 million legal-sized oysters died from bonamia over the summer of 2010/2011. At this level of mortality, the oyster population is expected to continue to rebuild. Recent recruitment may have been lower than expected and hence rebuilding of the population may be slower than otherwise expected in the short term.