by Katie Alston

A ban has been imposed on moving oysters from our coastline after shellfish in the area contracted herpes.

The move has sparked fears among local fishermen that it could have a drastic impact on the area’s oyster industry.

It comes after fish health inspectors from the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) visited a shellfish farm in the town, amid reports that large numbers of Pacific (rock) oysters were dying.

Samples taken from the affected site tested positive for oyster herpesvirus, and a containment area was imposed in The Swale, Thames and North Kent Coast.

Regulations have also been put in place to force fishermen to apply for permission if they want to move any Pacific oysters out of the area, which includes taking them to purification centres.

The Fish Health Inspectorate must also be contacted about any increased or unexpected death of shellfish stocks.

The virus has also been seen in Pacific oysters in France, Jersey and in some bays in the Republic of Ireland.

Although the herpes outbreak does not affect native oysters and has no implications for human health.

Richard Green from the Oyster Fishery Company says it is a massive concern.

“Potentially this is a very serious situation, and it will affect our exports,” said Mr Green.

“If the unfortunately named virus doesn’t spread things might be OK, but small operations will get trampled on if we can’t move the Pacific oysters that we dredge.

“We work very hard and if the situation doesn’t improve it could lead to people going out of business, and it could mean that in future the Oyster festival is just serving up shellfish from out of the area.

“The outbreak makes us very reluctant to invest money into our operation and into buying seeds as the things are looking very uncertain.”