Oysters have been stolen from leases on the Clyde River yet again, despite farmers taking a stance and offering a reward for a conviction.
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Between November 7 and 17 up to 20,000 premium triploid oysters and $600 worth of equipment were taken.
Although the oysters were not fully grown, they had a potential market value of $20,000.
It comes after a string of thefts from Clyde River oyster leases in the past year.
Oyster farmer Ray Wilcox said that while this raid was small compared to the 55 baskets stolen earlier this year, it still affected business.
Mr Wilcox, who has been farming the Clyde for more than two years with Max Ladmore, said the repeated blows were hurting.
“We have two employees that need to keep their jobs,” he said.
“No small businesses can sustain these continuous kinds of losses.
“It is very important for us to put a stop to this.”
Mr Wilcox said the most recent attack would have been difficult for the thieves.
“They took a whole bunch of baskets that were fixed together,” he said.
Of the 12-hectare area taken up by oyster leases on the Clyde River, the thieves continue to target the same area.
“There is one area they hit much more than others,” Mr Wilcox said.
“It seems to be when we don’t expect it.
“As soon as we let our guard down, it happens.”
Thieves face a fine of up to $5500 if caught stealing from an oyster lease, a Department of Primary Industries spokeswoman said.
She said anyone caught removing oysters, fish or vegetation from a leased area without permission could face an on-the-spot fine of $200 for “minor” offences.
Mr Wilcox wants the community to keep an eye out for suspicious behaviour on the water.
“We are depending on the public, who are out on the river fishing,” he said.
“You have to catch thieves in the act.”
To report theft or suspicious activity around an oyster lease visit www.oysterconnect.com.au or call Ray Wilcox on 0408 758 720.