| Local Attractions |
| > Oysters in Coffin Bay |
| The oyster industry in SA started not long after the colony was first established, when native oysters were dredged from various bays around the state and shipped to Adelaide to be kept in beds adjacent to Hotel, then sold to the public. In 1849 the price in Adelaide for a dozen Coffin Bay oysters was 1 shilling and sixpence. By 1870 thirty sailing vessels were dredging for native oysters in the Coffin Bay area. |
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| However, over fishing caused a decline in catches and by 1943 the fishery had all but ceased. Following the demise of the oyster fishery, attempts were made to farm the native oyster, but because of its slow growth and high mortality it was decided to give the Pacific Oyster a go, The Japanese Pacific oyster was first introduced to Tasmania in 1934 but it wasn't until 1969 that they were trialed at Coffin Bay. |
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| It was due to the success of that and subsequent trials the current industry started. Currently the oyster farms located in Mount Dutton and Kellidie Bays are used mostly as nursery sites and only small oysters are grown on them. The majority of the leases are situated 15km from Coffin Bay and the sand banks if Point Longnose. Up to 20 Oyster boats can be seen plying the waterways each day with approximately 100 people being employed either on the leases or back on shore in the packing sheds. |
| Oysters start their lives in hatcheries and oyster farmers buy this spat (or seed) from the hatcheries. Each oyster at this stage is 4-6mm long and 1 million see only weighs 20kg. In a good year this seed can increase to weigh 100 tonnes. The oysters are graded back on shore every 2-4 months depending on the season. Oysters generally reach market size around 18 months of age. Most Coffin Bay oysters are sold interstate, with Sydney and Melbourne being most popular markets. |
| Because of the popularity of Coffin Bay Oysters, oysters from other growing regions of the state are transported to fattening leases at Point Longnose for up to 3 months before being sold. |
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