Operation Trident targets illegal seafood trade

Consumers are being urged to avoid stolen seafood this Christmas, with enforcement officers on the beat to stop illegal seafood traders in their tracks.

Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Director of Compliance, Glenn Tritton, said ‘Operation Trident’ is designed to deter oyster theft and protect consumers against unsafe black market produce during the festive season.

“Operation Trident has been a key part of the NSW Government’s crackdown on black market seafood since 2007,” Mr Tritton said.

“It is a multi-phase operation targeting the theft of illegal sale of oyster – from on the water to ending up either being sold illegally by the roadside, in pubs and on plates in restaurants.

“DPI Fisheries Officers work in conjunction with the NSW Food Authority and NSW Police – and in consultation with NSW Farmers during this peak season for seafood and oyster consumption.

“The operation includes covert surveillance and overt inspections up and down the NSW coast that aims to disrupt and dismantle a black market which is responsible for ripping off hard working oyster farmers.”

NSW Food Authority’s Chief Scientist, Dr Lisa Szabo said the black market oyster trade not only impacted the livelihood of primary producers, but could pose a health risk to consumers as well.

“Stolen oysters might not come from an area covered by the NSW Shellfish Program. Only buy oysters from reputable retailers as these oysters have been monitored for their safety,” Dr Szabo said.

“Most illegal seafood is stored in the backs of unrefrigerated trucks and we strongly advise against anyone consuming seafood if they don’t know where it’s come from.”

Superintendent Mark Hutchings of the NSW Police Force, Marine Area Command said the three-pronged coordinated approach by the DPI, NSW Food Authority and NSW Police allows the agencies to share resources, intelligence and information that will better enable them to catch those responsible for ripping off hard working oyster farmers.

“We are seeking the community’s involvement in this - if someone approaches you in a pub or if you run a restaurant and someone tries to flog you cheap oysters, ring Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 and help us put an end to this potentially dangerous scam,” said Superintendent Hutchings.

NSW Farmers Oyster Committee Chair Kevin McAsh said the industry applauds such vigilance against illegal seafood trade.

“Reports from oyster farmers indicate that theft numbers are down, thanks to the heightened awareness resulting from Operation Trident,” Mr McAsh said.

“The NSW Oyster Industry is keen to continue to work in conjunction with the government agencies involved in a combined effort to stamp out oyster theft.”

Members of the public are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 if they have any information about oyster theft and the black market trade.

Contact: Tom Braz

Phone: 0428 256 596 or 6391 3686

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