Irish Oyster Industry:
The Irish Oyster Industry is a fast growing sector of the Irish aquaculture industry. In 2006, Pacific/Gigas oyster production levels were estimated at 6,511 tonnes with a value of €14,623 million.
The industry is spread along the Irish coastline and located primarily on the west and south coast.
Seed is sourced either from hatcheries or from wild spat collected in Arcachon, France.
Seed, from whatever source, is inspected and placed into specific, size related, growing bags on trestles and positioned such that the tide will rise and fall over them. This allows the oysters to obtain their required nutrients from the plankton in the sea. At appropriate times the oysters are transferred to larger bags and thinned out to prevent overcrowding. During their growth oyster bags are regularly turned and shacked in order to obtain a good shape. The oysters are harvested when the required quality characteristics have been obtained.
The growing process can take between 24 to 36 months dependent on both growing conditions and the initial size of the seed oysters.