A year after the Ministry for Primary Industries ordered the destruction of millions of oysters on Stewart Island, the government body has paid out less than $1 million in compensation, and isn’t promising anything more. It is understood that farmers are claiming up to $100 million in losses.
MPI moved last year to prevent an outbreak of bonamia ostreae, a flat oyster parasite. Widespread culling took place, with the support of technical experts and local farmers, and the movement of some species was restricted. Bonamia ostreae has been present in the Marlborough Sounds since 2015, but this was the first case of it being found elsewhere.
However, only two of 40 claims by 15 parties have been settled so far. "Each claim has to go through a rigorous assessment and verification process. This is important and fair. So the dollar claims submitted is not necessarily going to reflect the amount owed by the Government," said a spokesperson for MPI. "The amount that has to date been paid to oyster farmers is for the verifiable loss as so far assessed."
Two companies are also claiming that the parasite was never confirmed to have been established in Big Glory Bay, where the majority of the culling took place.
